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

NCT ID: NCT06558617

Last Updated: 2024-08-20

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Total Enrollment: 2543 participants
• Study Classification: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2021-03-01
• Study Completion Date: 2022-08-31

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.

Detailed Description

The data utilized in this analysis were derived from the Thai Musculoskeletal Diseases Nationwide Study. This cross-sectional study targeted Thai adults aged 60 years and older, conducted between March 2021 and August 2022. Participants were sampled using a multi-level sampling technique to ensure representativeness from community-dwelling older adults across 12 provinces, encompassing Thailand's six primary geographical regions.

Participants were evaluated for possible sarcopenia or sarcopenia, according to AWGS 2019 criteria, by using SARC-F questionnaire, calf circumference measurement, SARC-CalF questionnaire, and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM).

Conditions

Sarcopenia; Diagnosis

Study Design

• Observational Model Type: ECOLOGIC_OR_COMMUNITY
• Study Time Perspective: CROSS_SECTIONAL

Study Groups

Thai community-dwelling older adults

SARC-F Questionnaire

Intervention Type: 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.

Calf Circumference Measurement

Intervention Type: 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.

SARC-CalF Questionnaire

Intervention Type: 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.

Interventions

SARC-F Questionnaire

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.

Intervention Type: DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Calf Circumference Measurement

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.

Intervention Type: DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

SARC-CalF Questionnaire

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.

Intervention Type: DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Thai adults aged 60 years and older

Exclusion Criteria

• 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

• Minimum Eligible Age: 60 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

National Research Council of Thailand

OTHER_GOV

Sponsor Role: collaborator

Siriraj Hospital

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Panai Laohaprasitiporn, MD

Assistant Professor

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

Apichat Asavamongkolkul, MD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Siriraj Hospital

Locations

Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University

Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, Thailand

Countries

Thailand

References

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.

Reference Type: DERIVED

PMID: 39732657 (View on PubMed)

Other Identifiers

COA-023/2024

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id