[Predisposing factors to sarcopenia in rural and urban older adults]

To analyze the association between physical activity, nutritional status, and the risk of sarcopenia in older adults.

Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted between March and December 2024.

The study included two populations of older adults: one group residing in a rural area of La Libertad municipality, La Libertad department, and another group living in an urban area of Soyapango municipality, San Salvador department, both located in El Salvador.

A total of 62 older adults aged from 60 to 93 years old without disabling conditions participated in the study. There were no withdrawals; however, one participant died due to a fall during the study period.

General health and demographic data were collected using a structured clinical assessment form, including personal medical history, anthropometric measurements, dietary intake frequency, and routine physical activity.

Gait speed, handgrip strength, and chair stand test were assessed. Additionally, the SARC-F questionnaire was applied. Descriptive statistical analysis and variable cross-tabulations were performed using IBM SPSS software.

Findings indicate that 43.5% of participants were classified as having probable sarcopenia. Among them, 56% were from the urban group and 44% from the rural group. In both settings, female participants predominated.

An association was observed between probable sarcopenia, physical inactivity, and malnutrition. These conditions can be identified through low-cost functional tests in primary care settings, contributing to the promotion of healthy aging.