Evaluating SARC-F, SARC-CalF, and Calf Circumference as Diagnostic Tools for Sarcopenia in Thai Older Adults: Results From a Nationwide Study

NCT06558617 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: COA-023/2024
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 2,543
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

As the elderly population grows, musculoskeletal disorders, including sarcopenia, have become a critical area of study due to their association with falls and fractures. Sarcopenia, characterized by decreased muscle mass, is prevalent among older adults and poses a significant risk for falls. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the SARC-F and SARC-CalF questionnaires, along with calf circumference measurements, in screening for sarcopenia among Thai community-dwelling older adults, following the Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 criteria.

Conditions

Sarcopenia; Diagnosis

Keywords

sarcopenia; calf circumference; SARC-F questionnaire; diagnostic accuracy; elderly

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM)

  To assess appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), we used the Tanita RD-545, a dual-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) device (Tanita Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). Previous studies have demonstrated that this BIA method is reliable and comparable to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for diagnosing sarcopenia in Thai elderly adults. The appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) was calculated by dividing the ASM by the square of the height. According to the 2019 criteria of the AWGS, low muscle mass is defined as \<7.0 kg/m² for men and \<5.7 kg/m² for women.

  up to 4 weeks

• Handgrip strength

  Participants were asked to squeeze a digital Smedley spring hand dynamometer (Takei 5401 Digital Dynamometer; Takei, Tokyo, Japan) with maximum effort while standing with fully extended arms at their sides. The grip size was adjusted for each participant's hand size, and 2 or 3 trials were performed, with the highest output value recorded. Handgrip strengths \< 28 kg in males and \< 18 kg in females were classified as low muscle strength, per the AWGS 2019 criteria.

  up to 4 weeks

• 5-time sit-to-stand test (5TSTS)

  Participants were directed to sit upright on armless chairs with their backs supported firmly by the backrest. They were then instructed to stand up as quickly as possible for 5 repetitions with their arms crossed, trunk upright, and hips and knees fully extended. The time taken by each participant to complete the test from the initial sitting to the fifth sitting was recorded. The test is considered abnormal if it takes equal or more than 12 seconds to complete the task.

  up to 4 weeks

Study Arms (1)

Thai community-dwelling older adults

Diagnostic Test: SARC-F Questionnaire; Diagnostic Test: Calf Circumference Measurement; Diagnostic Test: SARC-CalF Questionnaire

Interventions

SARC-F Questionnaire DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

The SARC-F scale consists of five components: strength, walking assistance, rising from a chair, stair climbing, and falls. These elements were selected to reflect changes in health status related to the effects of sarcopenia. Scores on the SARC-F scale range from 0 to 10, composed of five domains, assesses strength, walking assistance, raising from a chair, stair climbing and falls. Each domain score ranges from 0-2. A SARC-F score of ≥4 was considered abnormal. The Thai-version SARC-F questionnaire has been validated in Thai older adults.

Thai community-dwelling older adults

Calf Circumference Measurement DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Calf circumference was measured using a nonelastic tape measure while the participant was standing with relaxed legs. The tape was placed snugly and flat around the widest part of the calf, parallel to the floor. According to the AWGS 2019 criteria, calf circumferences were considered abnormal if they were less than 34 cm for males and less than 33 cm for females.

Thai community-dwelling older adults

SARC-CalF Questionnaire DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

This questionnaire integrates the SARC-F and calf circumference as a trigger for case finding. If the calf circumference is below the cut-off value, 10 points are added to the SARC-F score for evaluation. The SARC-CalF score ranges from 0 to 20, with a score of ≥11 considered abnormal for sarcopenia screening.

Thai community-dwelling older adults

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 60 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Probability Sample

Study Population

Community-dwelling older Thai adults living at that area for at least 1 year

You may qualify if:

• Thai adults aged 60 years and older

You may not qualify if:

• missing data on SARC-F, SARC-CalF, and calf circumference
• unable to walk independently
• bedridden individuals
• neuromuscular disorders or severe comorbidities that could impair their ability to perform performance-based tests

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Siriraj Hospital: lead
• National Research Council of Thailand: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University

Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand

Location

Related Publications (1)

• Vanitcharoenkul E, Unnanuntana A, Chotiyarnwong P, Adulkasem N, Asavamongkolkul A, Laohaprasitiporn P. Evaluating SARC-F, SARC-CalF, and calf circumference as diagnostic tools for sarcopenia in Thai older adults: results from a nationwide study. BMC Geriatr. 2024 Dec 28;24(1):1043. doi: 10.1186/s12877-024-05637-3.

  PMID: 39732657 DERIVED

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Sarcopenia; Disease

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Muscular Atrophy; Neuromuscular Manifestations; Neurologic Manifestations; Nervous System Diseases; Atrophy; Pathological Conditions, Anatomical; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Signs and Symptoms; Pathologic Processes

Study Officials

• Apichat Asavamongkolkul, MD

  Siriraj Hospital

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: ECOLOGIC OR COMMUNITY
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 10, 2024
• First Posted: August 16, 2024
• Study Start: March 1, 2021
• Primary Completion: August 31, 2022
• Study Completion: August 31, 2022
• Last Updated: August 20, 2024

Record last verified: 2024-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TH (1)