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Biomarkers of Sarcopenia and Frailty in Geriatric Patients

Completed
Conditions
Sarcopenia
Muscle Loss
Fall Patients
Interventions
Other: Assessing sarcopenia and potential biomarkers of sarcopenia in fall patients
Registration Number
NCT05795556
Lead Sponsor
Herlev and Gentofte Hospital
Brief Summary

During the last decades there has been an increase in the relative proportion and life expectancy of elderly people. Hence, the number of elderly with diseases and disabilities related to aging will increase and consequently, age-related losses in skeletal muscle mass and physical function represents an important current and future public health issue. Sarcopenia is a progressive and generalized skeletal muscle disorder that is considered central to the development of physical deconditioning and untreated sarcopenia is linked to falls, morbidity, and mortality.

The underlying mechanisms behind the progressive loss of muscle mass and function associated with aging are yet unknown but seems to be multifactorial. A decrease in physical activity level and an altered central and peripheral nervous system innervation have been identified as some of the contributing factors. Furthermore, chronic low-grade inflammation has been proposed as a central contributor to sarcopenia and thus physical frailty.

However, it is not yet clear whether the elevated markers of inflammation seen in the elderly are due to aging, chronic illness, or inactivity. But overall, it seems that inflammation plays an important role in the development of muscle loss, and is related to increased risk of falls, fragility, and early death.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
508
Inclusion Criteria
  • Geriatric patients referred to out-patient clinic for fall assessments
  • equal to or over the age of 65
Exclusion Criteria
  • age under 65 years
  • participants who do not understand Danish
  • severe communicative problems
  • moderate to severe dementia or cognitive deficits
  • no independent walking

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Home-dwelling geriatric outpatientsAssessing sarcopenia and potential biomarkers of sarcopenia in fall patientsHome-dwelling geriatric outpatients from the Falls Clinic at Gentofte Hospital . Clinical assesment: Blood test, body composition (BIA and/or DXA), balance tests (sway), handgrip strength, isometric knee extension strength, chair-rise test, gait-speed, thickness of the thigh muscles, screening for sarcopenia (SARC-F), screening for malnutrition (SNAQ), screening for depression (GDS-15), screening for self-rated health (EQ-5D-5L), frailty (CSHA Frailty Scale)
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Appendicular lean muscle massBaseline

Determination of appendicular lean muscle mass (The sum of the lean tissue is the arms and legs) measured by Bioelectrical Impedance analysis (BIA Inbody770)

Skeletal muscle mass index (SMI)Baseline

Determination of skeletal muscle mass index (The sum of the lean tissue is the arms and legs scaled to height squared (ALM/height(2)) measured by Bioelectrical Impedance analysis (BIA Inbody770)

Skeletal muscle massBaseline

Determination of skeletal muscle mass measured by Bioelectrical Impedance analysis (BIA Inbody770)

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Physical Activity (Chair rise)Baseline

Determination of physical activity assessed by 30 s sit-to-stand chair rise test and five times sit-to-stand test

Muscle strength (lower body)Baseline

Determination of maximal isometric quadriceps muscle strength measured by a handheld dynamometer

SARC-F (sarcopenia screening)Baseline

The SARC-F questionnaire is used as a screening tool to identify probable sarcopenia patients. The scores range from 0 to 10, with 0 to 2 points for each component. Studies suggested that a score equal to or greater than 4 is predictive of sarcopenia and poor outcomes.

Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15)Baseline

GDS-15 is used as a screening tool to facilitate assessment of depression. Scores of 0-4 are considered normal; 5-8 indicate mild depression; 9-11 indicate moderate depression; and 12-15 indicate severe depression.

Muscle strength (upper body)Baseline

Determination of muscle strength measured by a handgrip dynamometer

SNAQ (malnutrition)Baseline

The Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire (SNAQ) is used as a screening tool to get an insight into patients' nutritional status. Patients with 2 points were classified as moderately malnourished and patients with 3 points or more are classified as severely malnourished.

Muscle ThicknessBaseline

Determination of muscle thickness of the vastus laterals og rectus femoris assessed by ultrasound

Physical Activity (Gait speed)Baseline

Determination of physical activity assessed by habitual and maximal 6 meters walking speed

Postural swayBaseline

Determination of postural sway will be evaluated with a HUR balance force plate. This device is a precision device that provides objectively measurable data. Thanks to its movable platform, it can measure in all directions. The patients will be performing three balance test; Romberg balance test, tandem test and 15 s one-leg-stand.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Pernille Hansen

🇩🇰

Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark

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