Construction of an Exercise Intervention Program for Patients with Sarcopenic Obesity: A Delphi Method Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Exercise Physiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Sarcopenic obesity is a growing health concern, characterized by loss of muscle mass and increased fat mass.
• Effective exercise interventions are crucial for managing sarcopenic obesity and improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct a comprehensive exercise intervention program tailored for patients diagnosed with sarcopenic obesity.
• To ensure the program is evidence-based, scientifically sound, and practically applicable.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative approach integrating literature analysis and the Delphi method was employed.
• A panel of 15 multidisciplinary experts (clinical medicine, rehabilitation, medical technology, nursing) contributed to program development.
• Two rounds of expert consultation were conducted, achieving high consensus and authority.

Main Results:

• The Delphi method yielded statistically significant agreement among experts (P < 0.05).
• The final program comprises 4 primary, 12 secondary, and 28 tertiary indicators.
• High authority coefficients (0.83 and 0.82) and low coefficients of variation indicate expert consensus.

Conclusions:

• The developed exercise intervention program for sarcopenic obesity is scientifically valid, feasible, and generalizable.
• This program serves as a practical reference for healthcare professionals designing exercise strategies for sarcopenic obesity management.