The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Sarcopenia in the Elderly
Fajri Fadhillah Hidayat1, Erica Kholinne1,2
1Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Trisakti, Jakarta, IDN.
Cureus
|April 3, 2026
Summary
Physical activity levels did not show a significant link to possible sarcopenia in older Indonesian adults. Further research is needed to explore other contributing factors to muscle decline in this population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Sarcopenia, a decline in muscle mass and strength, significantly impacts older adults' health, increasing fall and disability risks.
- Physical activity is crucial for muscle health, but its relationship with sarcopenia in Indonesian older adults is not well-established.
- This study investigates the association between physical activity levels and possible sarcopenia in elderly individuals residing in a West Jakarta social institution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the relationship between physical activity levels and the prevalence of possible sarcopenia among older adults.
- To assess physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF).
- To evaluate possible sarcopenia based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria.
Main Methods:
- An analytical observational, cross-sectional study was conducted with 67 participants aged 65 years and older.
- Physical activity was categorized as light, moderate, or high.
- Possible sarcopenia was assessed via calf circumference and handgrip strength, with data analyzed using Fisher's Exact test.
Main Results:
- A majority of participants exhibited low physical activity (71.6%) and met criteria for possible sarcopenia (59.7%).
- No statistically significant association was found between physical activity level and possible sarcopenia (p = 0.421).
- A trend suggested higher odds of possible sarcopenia in low-activity individuals, though not statistically significant (OR = 2.03).
Conclusions:
- This study found no significant relationship between physical activity and possible sarcopenia in the studied older adult population.
- Factors like nutrition, comorbidities, and individual characteristics may play a more significant role in sarcopenia development.
- Longitudinal studies with comprehensive assessments are recommended to further elucidate the complex relationship between physical activity and sarcopenia.
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