Tracking Sarcopenia and Physical Activities Among Korean Adults Aged 50 Years and Older During COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted daily life and physical activity (PA) routines among older adults, potentially accelerating sarcopenia progression. This study aimed to examine longitudinal changes in sarcopenia prevalence and PA indicators in Korean adults aged 50 years and older before and during the pandemic.

This prospective cohort study included 50 community-dwelling adults who participated in the 2019 Korean Health Survey and completed follow-up assessments in 2021. Sarcopenia was defined using the 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria, including muscle mass (via bioelectrical impedance analysis), grip strength, and gait speed. PA levels were assessed using validated items from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, covering frequency and duration of work-related activity, exercise, active transportation, sedentary time, and sleep. Changes between 2019 and 2021 were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank, McNemar, and McNemar-Bowker tests.

The prevalence of sarcopenia increased from 18.0% in 2019 to 28.0% in 2021. Among diagnostic components, handgrip strength significantly declined (from 24.7 to 22.8 kg, p < 0.05), whereas muscle mass and gait speed remained relatively stable. Participation in vigorous-intensity work and exercise declined markedly, whereas moderate-intensity activity showed a slight increase. Walking for transportation decreased in both frequency and duration. Sedentary time increased significantly (p < 0.05).

Sarcopenia risk increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, likely driven by decreased PA and increased sedentary behavior. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining muscle strength and mobility in older adults, especially during public health emergencies. Limitations include small sample size, potential recall bias from self-reported PA, and absence of dietary or cognitive measures.