Changes in Sarcopenia Stages and Its Related Factors among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in South Korea

This is a prospective study with 1 year follow up to identify changes in sarcopenia stages and its related factors among community-dwelling older adults in South Korea. A total of 241 older adults (≥70 years old) were assessed 2 times during 1 year follow up. Sarcopenia was defined based on the Asian Working Group of Sarcopenia recommendations. As a result, 34 participants (14.1%) experienced deterioration into worse stage of sarcopenia, whereas 7.9% of the older adults experienced improvement into better stage of sarcopenia for 1 year. A slower gait speed, poorer nutritional status, and little aerobic exercise using machine were predictive factors of deterioration in sarcopenia stage. Participants who did more exercise during a week and had lower body mass index tended to be improved in their sarcopenia stages. This study revealed that sarcopenia is reversible condition among community-dwelling older adults. There were differences in factors associated with deterioration and improvement in sarcopenia stages during short period. Therefore, different approach is needed to develop intervention for preventing and delaying deterioration or reversing sarcopenia status.