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Standardized Measurement of Muscle Strength and Physical Performance for Sarcopenia: An Expert-Based Delphi
Seung-Kyu Lim1, Jaewon Beom2, Sang Yoon Lee3
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Republic of Korea.
Annals of Geriatric Medicine and Research
|June 11, 2025
Summary
This Delphi study sought expert consensus to standardize sarcopenia assessments. While agreement exists on some measures like handgrip and gait speed, further standardization is needed for accurate diagnosis and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Clinical Diagnostics
- Biomedical Research
Background:
- Inconsistent sarcopenia assessment protocols hinder accurate diagnosis and outcome prediction.
- Updated guidelines exist, but clinical confusion persists regarding muscle strength and physical performance evaluations.
- Standardization is crucial for reliable sarcopenia assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To achieve expert consensus on standardized muscle strength and physical performance assessments for sarcopenia.
- To address clinical confusion stemming from varied sarcopenia diagnostic protocols.
- To support improved diagnostic and outcome accuracy in sarcopenia research and practice.
Main Methods:
- A two-round modified Delphi study involving 26 geriatric and sarcopenia experts.
- Anonymous questionnaires utilized a nine-point Likert scale and choice-based questions for 39 items.
- Consensus was defined as agreement among at least 75% of participants.
Main Results:
- 27 of 38 statements (71.1%) reached consensus, supporting alignment with Asian and Korean Working Group on Sarcopenia (AWGS and KWGS) guidelines.
- Agreement was found for handgrip strength (dynamometers, protocols, value selection), calf circumference (measurement), and gait speed (repetitions, assistive devices).
- Areas lacking consensus include specific mechanical protocols, unified cutoff values, and details for chair stand and timed-up-and-go tests.
Conclusions:
- The study identified areas of agreement and ongoing uncertainty in sarcopenia assessment methods.
- Expert consensus supports further standardization efforts for sarcopenia diagnostics.
- Findings will aid in refining protocols for more accurate sarcopenia evaluation.
