Sarcopenia Part 3 – How is it diagnosed?

Greg Conlan No Comments Ageing

Part 3; How is sarcopenia diagnosed?

 

  1. Imaging techniques. The gold standard (best) method for identifying sarcopenia is using MRI or CT studies around the pelvis region where an accurate measure of the body can be taken in cross section. It compares the relative amounts of muscle to fat to establish whether or not you have lost muscle tissue. However its cost and availability reduce how practical it is for everyday usage.

DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) is cheaper and more accessible than MRI and CT but is less accurate. Even cheaper is Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) and muscle ultrasound. Increasingly muscle ultrasound is being used in the clinical setting because of its low cost, absence of ionizing radiation, easy execution and repeatability.

 

  1. Strength Testing;
  • Handgrip test: Handgrip strength draws a parallel to the strength in your other muscles. Providers use it to identify shortages in overall muscle strength. Using a specific tool with a value of < 27 kg for men and 16 kg for women is a sign of likely sarcopenia.
  • Chair stand test: Providers use the chair stand test to measure your leg muscle strength, especially your quadriceps. The chair stand test measures how quickly you can stand and sit from a chair without the use of your arms for 5 repetitions. If it takes > 13 seconds there is probable sarcopenia.
  • Walking speed test: The walking (gait) speed test measures the time it takes for you to travel 4 meters (about 13 feet) at your usual walking pace. A walking speed <0.8m/s is considered a sign of limitation of mobility.
  • Short physical performance battery (SPPB): With the SPPB test, you take three timed tasks: chair stand test , standing balance test (maintaining an upright posture for >10 seconds with a)feet parallel b) toe beside heel of other foot and c) feet in tandem) and walking speed test.
  • Timed-up and go test (TUG): The TUG test measures the time it takes for you to rise from a chair, walk 3 meters (about 10 feet) away from the chair, walk 3 meters back to the chair, and sit back down in the chair. A time > 20 seconds is highly predictive of poor physical performance.
  1. Screening method - a question based evaluation of sarcopenia evaluation

SARC-F Screen for Sarcopenia: Component Question Scoring

Strength: How much difficulty do you have in lifting and carrying 10 pounds?

  • None 0
  • Some 1
  • A lot or unable 2

Assistance in walking: How much difficulty do you have walking across a room?

  • None 0
  • Some 1
  • A lot, use aids, or unable 2

Rise from a chair: How much difficulty do you have transferring from a chair or bed?

  • None 0
  • Some 1
  • A lot or unable without help 2

Climb stairs: How much difficulty do you have climbing a flight of 10 stairs?

  • None 0
  • Some 1
  • A lot or unable 2

Falls: How many times have you fallen in the past year?

  • None 0
  • 1ess than 3 falls 1
  • 4 or more falls 2[2]

Data suggests that a SARC-F score of ≥4 best predicts the need for further, more comprehensive evaluation.

If you need further information then talk to your Essendon chiropractor. They can assist you with your program to muscle health throughout your years.