Evaluation of functional status in sarcopenic elderly individuals

In this study, the effect of sarcopenia on muscle strength, physical capacity and functional status was investigated in older individuals. 12 subject were diagnosed with sarcopenia and 13 non-sarcopenic older individuals were included in the study. The age range of the older individuals participated in this study was 65-91 years. Individuals' socio-personal information, comorbid disease scores, anthropometric measurement results, measurement results of muscle strength and physical capacities, and responses to the functional status test were recorded. As a result of the study, it is found that sarcopenic individuals have higher number of medications and Charlson Comorbidity Index points than non-sarcopenic individuals (p<0,05). It was recorded that non-sarcopenic subjects have higher right and left calf circumference measurements than sarcopenic subjects (p<0,05). Right and left hand grip strength measurements and right and left knee extensometry results of the non-sarcopenic subjects were found to be higher than the sarcopenic subjects (p<0,05). As a result of the study, it was determined that the results of time up go test, sit to stand test, normal walking speed, speed of walking, resting test on one leg (left and right) and total physical capacity scores of the individuals with sarcopenia were lower than non - sarcopenic individuals (p<0,05). In the study, it was observed that sarcopenic individuals have higher physical limitations, higher limitations of basic daily living activities, limitations of instrumental daily life activities and functional limitations scores than non-sarcopenic individuals. As a result physical capacity decreases and physical limitations occur together with muscle strength decrease, due to sarcopenia associated with aging. It is important to monitor and evaluate muscle mass and strength in individuals who are has tendency sarcopenia, because it restrict physical functions and affect the activities of daily life directly. Keywords: Sarcopenia, Older People, Functionality, Physical Capacity, Physical Activity