Factors Associated with Sarcopenia in Older Adults Living in Residential Care Homes

Introduction: Sarcopenia is a major public health concern among older adults, particularly in institutional settings, and is associated with functional decline, frailty, falls, hospitalization and mortality. Identifying factors associated with sarcopenia may contribute to the development of more targeted preventive and therapeutic strategies. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with sarcopenia in older adults living in residential care homes and based on this knowledge provide physiotherapists with evidence-based preventive measures and recommendations.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational analytical study was conducted with a convenience sample of 97 institutionalized older adults. Sociodemographic, clinical and functional data were collected through questionnaires and functional tests. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearsons’s correlations and linear regression analyses.

Results: A total of 86.6% of participants screened positive for sarcopenia (SARC-F ≥ 4). Sarcopenia was significantly associated with age, dyspnea, Timed Up and Go (TUG) performance, and gait speed, with gait speed showing the strongest association, independently explaining 53.6% of the variance in sarcopenia scores. The final regression model, including gait speed and the use of walking aids, explained 59.3% of the variance in sarcopenia. Gait speed emerged as an important functional indicator associated with sarcopenia in older adults living in residential care homes. The findings also suggest a strong relationship between sarcopenia, impaired mobility, functional dependence, and the use of walking aids. Additionally, high levels of sedentary behavior and low adherence to physical activity recommendations were observed.

Conclusions: These findings reinforce the importance of implementing strategies aimed at promoting physical activity in residential care homes, as well as task-oriented training focused on daily activities such as walking and other upright activities, with or without mobility assistive devices. Scientific evidence suggests that such interventions are effective in preventing and attenuating the progression of functional decline and sarcopenia.