Muscle Matters: The Role of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine in Sarcopenia

ID 42
Topic Musculoskeletal
Main Speaker Ayşe A. Küçükdeveci Turkey
Co Speakers Yeşim Kurtaiş Aytür Turkey , Aysun Genç Turkey
Attendees
Extra Fees

Sarcopenia is a generalized disease of the skeletal muscle defined as reduced muscle mass and muscle strength. Although it has formerly been regarded as an age related condition of older adults (primary sarcopenia), it may also be seen in many other disorders such as neurological, infectious, rheumatological, immobility- or cancer-related conditions (secondary sarcopenia). The aged, sedentary, and those with acute and chronic concomitant conditions that impact the musculoskeletal system or limit physical activity are the individuals most frequently affected by sarcopenia.

It has important health consequences, including impaired physical performance, increased risk of falls and fractures, limitations of mobility and daily activities, and poor quality of life; thus resulting in high mortality and significant healthcare costs. Sarcopenia is an increasingly serious public health issue worldwide, with a prevalence of 5–13% among those aged 60–70 years and 11-50% among those >80 years old. The number of people affected by sarcopenia are predicted to rise from 50 to 200 million in the next 40 years. Despite its clinical and socio economical importance, sarcopenia remains under-recognized and poorly managed in routine clinical practice. It is a potentially reversible condition, therefore early detection and timely intervention are of great importance for improving outcomes. Physicians and other health professionals working in the field of physical and rehabilitation medicine (PRM) often encounter individuals at risk of sarcopenia due to their clinical practice in acute, post-acute and long-term conditions.

The aim of this workshop is to inform rehabilitation professionals about sarcopenia, to increase their awareness about this health condition and to discuss management strategies for their clinical practice in the rehabilitation setting. Firstly, definition and epidemiology of sarcopenia will be introduced, followed by the explanation of risk factors, clinical categories, and brief pathophysiology. Second part of the program will include screening, diagnosis and assessment of sarcopenia. Then management strategies, mainly exercise and nutritional therapy, with adjunctive physical modalities will be presented in the light of evidence-based data. Final part will be an interactive session as group discussions and include case studies of different patients where participants will discuss the assessment, diagnosis and individualised management strategies for each presented case.