Standardized Measurement of Muscle Strength and Physical Performance for Sarcopenia: An Expert-Based Delphi Consensus
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite updated sarcopenia guidelines, inconsistent protocols still cause clinical confusion and may compromise diagnostic and outcome accuracy. This Delphi study aimed to establish expert consensus to support the standardization of muscle strength and physical performance assessments for sarcopenia. METHODS: A two-round modified Delphi study was conducted with 26 experts in geriatrics and sarcopenia. Participants completed two rounds of anonymous questionnaires evaluating 39 items across seven domains using a nine-point Likert scale or choice-based questions. Consensus was defined as ≥75% agreement. RESULTS: In total, 27 of 38 statements (71.1%) reached consensus across two rounds Experts supported further standardization of assessments in alignment with the Asian and Korean Working Group on Sarcopenia (AWGS and KWGS) guidelines. For handgrip strength, consensus was achieved on using both mechanical and hydraulic dynamometers, hydraulic protocols, value selection, measurement time, and positioning, but not on mechanical protocols, repetitions, recovery intervals, repetitions, or unified cutoff values. For calf circumference, consensus was reached on measurement position, method, and value selection, but not on guideline application. In gait speed assessment, agreement was reached on speed, repetitions, assistive device use, and equipment type, but not on value selection, distance, acceleration/deceleration phases, or device interchangeability. For the 400-m walk test, the KWGS guideline and speed were endorsed. Chair stand test (CST) and Timed up-and-go (TUG) test reached consensus on armrest use, value selection, and repetitions, but not on seat height, (CST), or speed (TUG). CONCLUSION: This study highlights areas of agreement and ongoing uncertainty, supporting future standardization efforts sarcopenia assessment methods.
DOI: 10.4235/agmr.25.0070
Authors: Seung-Kyu Lim, Jaewon Beom, Sang Yoon Lee, Kyunghoon Min, Seong-Eun Byun, Yonghan Cha, Jun Hwan Choi, Jung-Yeon Choi, Jae-Young Han, Hak-Chul Jang, Hee-Won Jung, Kwang-Il Kim, Younji Kim, Young-Sang Kim, Jong Hwa Lee, Jong In Lee, Seung Yeol Lee, Kil-Byung Lim, Bumjo Oh, Sae-Jong Park, Ga Yang Shim, Wook Song, Chang Won Won, Jun-Il Yoo, Seung Don Yoo, Jae-Young Lim
Institutions: Soonchunhyang University, Soonchunhyang University Hospital Cheonan, Seoul National University, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University Hospital, Soonchunhyang University Hospital Bucheon, CHA University Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Daejeon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University, Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju National University, Chonnam National University, Chonnam National University Hospital, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Ewha Womans University, Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, Dong-A University Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Dong-A University, Catholic University of Korea, Inje University, Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital, Seoul Metropolitan Government, SNUH SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center, Korea Institute of Sport Science, Kyung Hee University, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Inha University, Inha University Hospital, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
Funder: Ministry of Health and Welfare
Award: G6815336859
OpenAlex ID: W4411223096