Recent Progress in Sarcopenia Research: a Focus on Operationalizing a Definition of Sarcopenia

Abstract

Purpose of review: To discuss recent progress in sarcopenia research and to highlight controversies in the field particularly around reaching consensus on a definition of sarcopenia.

Recent findings: Accordingly, this review begins with a discussion of the increasing awareness of this condition; briefly describes evolving definitions of sarcopenia; suggests a framework for consistent terminology for sarcopenia; discusses outstanding issues in the definition of sarcopenia; and reviews the association between sarcopenia and adverse outcome in older adults. In addition, the role of sarcopenia in other diseases is discussed. The field of sarcopenia continues to hold considerable promise and work continues to resolve outstanding concerns in this field with a unifying consensus definition on the horizon.

Keywords: Gait speed; Grip strength; Lean mass; Muscle; Physical function; Sarcopenia.