Indicators predicting the development and improvement of sarcopenia in older adults requiring long-term care

[Purpose] This study aimed to identify factors associated with sarcopenia development and improvement among older adults requiring long-term care. [Participants and Methods] This prospective observational study included 118 older adults requiring long-term care in a single facility. Sarcopenia was assessed according to the 2019 diagnostic criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia at baseline and after 6 months. Nutritional status was measured using calf circumference and the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form to examine the association between sarcopenia onset and improvement. [Results] Risk of malnutrition and lower calf circumference at baseline were significantly associated with sarcopenia development. The study also showed that a non-risk of malnutrition, higher calf circumference, and higher skeletal muscle mass index were significantly associated with improved sarcopenia. [Conclusion] The Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form and calf circumference were able to predict sarcopenia development and improvement in older adults requiring long-term care.