The effect of sarcopenia on frailty, voice quality and swallowing functions in geriatric individuals

This study aims to evaluate the effects of swallowing function, voice quality, and sarcopenia on frailty in geriatric individuals. The study was conducted in Kastamonu Training and Research Hospital between October 2024 and February 2025 with 230 individuals who met the inclusion criteria. Data collection form, Edmonton Frailty Scale (EFS), EAT-10 Swallowing Assessment Scale, Voice Handicap Index and Strength, Assistance with Walking, Rise From a Chair, Climb Stairs and Falls(SARC-F) scale were used. The data was collected face-to-face by the researcher. The relationship between numerical variables was analysed by Spearman correlation analysis because the distribution was not normal. Pearson chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used for intergroup comparisons of categorical variables. A statistically significant relationship was found between education level, income status, marital status, daily drug use, falls, hospitalisation in the last year and frailty, swallowing, voice and sarcopenia (p<0,05). Frailty scores, swallowing score, voice handicap and SARC-F scale scores of individuals with chronic disease were found to be statistically significantly higher than those without chronic disease (p<0,05). Scale scores decreased as the level of education increased. There was no statistically significant difference between the gender of the individuals and the scales (p>0,05). Scale scores of those with low income level, those who lost their spouse, those with high daily drug use, those who had a fall and those who were hospitalised in the last year were higher. It was found that swallowing and frailty scores increased with increasing age. The brittleness rate determined using EFS is 43%. Increased frailty was found to have a negative effect on voice and swallowing. Frailty and sarcopenia are directly related to each other. Sarcopenia, voice and swallowing affect each other. In the comprehensive geriatric assessment process, it should be taken into account that frailty in older adults is associated with sarcopenia, voice, and swallowing.