Sarcopenia in Elderly, Falls
Conditions
Keywords
Sarcopenia-promoting medicines, Sarcopenia, Falls, Medicines in elderly
Brief summary
Sarcopenia, characterised by the loss of muscle mass and function, is a common condition among the elderly and is often associated with increased risk of falls. Certain medications, such as glucocorticoids, statins, and some antipsychotics, may exacerbate sarcopenia, leading to a higher incidence of falls. This study aims to explore the prevalence of such medicines in patients diagnosed with sarcopenia who have experienced falls. Understanding the impact of these medications on sarcopenia and fall risk can inform clinical guidelines and improve patient outcomes.
Detailed description
Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, is a recognised contributor to frailty, disability, and increased fall risk in older adults. While physical inactivity and comorbidities are known risk factors, increasing evidence suggests that certain medications - including corticosteroids, sedatives and statins - may also contribute to muscle decline. These medicines are frequently prescribed to older adults, but the extent of their use in patients with sarcopenia and falls remains poorly defined. Falls clinics manage high-risk patients, yet there is currently limited research examining the prevalence of sarcopenia-promoting medications in this specific setting. This study addresses an important knowledge gap by estimating the prevalence of these medicines in older adults attending a secondary care falls clinic, and by exploring associations with sarcopenia and fall history. The findings will support a better understanding of medication-related risk factors for sarcopenia and may help guide future deprescribing and medication review strategies. This aligns with current priorities in geriatric medicine to reduce inappropriate polypharmacy and improve outcomes for older adults through targeted, evidence-based prescribing.
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTTimed Up and Go test
Screening test for falls in elderly
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTStrength, Assistance with walking, Rise from a chair, Climb stairs, and Falls (SARC-F) questionnaire
Self-administered screening tool for sarcopenia
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTHand grip strength
Used to assess sarcopenia
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTGait speed
Assessment to check for functional mobility and risk of falls.
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTClinical Frailty Scale (CFS)
Used to assess level of frailty.
Sponsors
Medway NHS Foundation Trust
Study design
Observational model
CASE_ONLY
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
65 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Aged ≥65 years * Attendance at the falls clinic for a new assessment * Diagnosed with sarcopenia (based on the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) criteria) * History of falls in the past 12 months
Exclusion criteria
* Cognitive impairment preventing consent * Acute medical instability * Enrolled in on other clinical trials.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Prevalence of exposure to one or more sarcopenia-promoting medication | 6 months | Proportion of adults aged 65 years and over attending the falls clinic who are prescribed one or more sarcopenia-promoting medication. Unit of measure: % of participants. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Number of sarcopenia-promoting medications per participant | 6 months | Mean number of eligible medications prescribed per participant. Unit of measure: count. |
| Handgrip strength | 6 months | Mean maximum grip strength measured with a Jamar dynamometer. Unit of Measure: Kilograms (kg). |
| Gait speed | 6 months | Mean walking speed measured over 4 metres. Unit of measure: metres per second (m/s) |
| Distribution of sarcopenia-promoting medication classes | 6 months | Proportion of participants exposed to each medication class. Unit of measure: % of participants per medication class. |
| Timed Up and Go Test | 6 months | Mean time taken to stand from a chair, walk 3 metres, turn, walk back and sit down. Unit of measure: Seconds (s). |
| Association between medication burden and functional performance | 6 months | Comparison of grip strength, gait speed, SARC-F scores and Timed Up and Go performance across groups defined by medication burden e.g. 0-1 vs \>2 sarcopenia promoting medications. Units of measure: Differences in mean values (kg, m/s, points, seconds). |
| SARC-F score | 6 months | SARC-F mean score. Unit of measure: points (0-10) |
Countries
United Kingdom
Contacts
Primary ContactKamaldeep K Sahota, Pharmacist
Backup ContactVikram Paranjyothi, Consultant Geriatrician
Outcome results
None listed