Elderly Muscle Atrophy: A Notable Health Concern for Medical Practitioners
In Taiwan, a growing concern for the healthcare sector is the prevalence of sarcopenia, a condition that causes degenerative muscle loss in elderly people. Approximately 300,000 elderly individuals in Taiwan are affected by this age-related condition, and the numbers continue to rise [1].
A 68-year-old woman named Tseng (曾) experienced issues after a fall that caused a shin fracture. Prior to the accident, Tseng had noticed that as she aged, she became tired while walking, had osteoporosis, and struggled to open bottle caps. After undergoing a strenuous physiotherapy course, she was able to walk with more stability and even go hiking and swimming with her husband every day to build back muscle strength [2].
Effective prevention and management of sarcopenia primarily involve early screening, nutritional intervention, and resistance training exercise, complemented by emerging digital therapeutics.
Early Screening and Assessment
Routine measurements such as calf circumference, handgrip strength, and chair stand tests can identify individuals at risk of sarcopenia in community and clinical settings. These simple tools facilitate early detection and timely intervention, important for preventing functional decline and falls [2].
Resistance Training (RT)
Structured resistance training programs are the cornerstone of sarcopenia management, enhancing muscle mass, strength, balance, and independence. Adherence to RT can be improved via personalized coaching and follow-up support [3][5].
Nutritional Support
Adequate protein intake and nutritional supplementation are critical alongside exercise to support muscle synthesis and maintenance. Currently, there are no approved effective medications for sarcopenia, so nutrition remains essential [5].
Innovative Digital and Mixed Reality (MR) Therapies
Recent studies in Taiwan explored MR-based physical therapy platforms (e.g., Mr.PT) that offer individualized, scalable rehabilitation. These interventions improve quadriceps muscle thickness, balance confidence, activities of daily living (ADL), and quality of life, potentially overcoming limitations of standard group exercise programs [4].
Integrated Care Models
Aligning with WHO guidelines, integrating regular sarcopenia screenings in primary care with structured referral pathways to nutritional and exercise programs benefits elderly Taiwanese individuals. Training healthcare workers in assessment and follow-up enhances effectiveness [2].
The risk of sarcopenia increases with age, with the rate of muscle deterioration increasing after the age of 70. Sarcopenia can lead to deterioration of the spine, causing back pain, and can make elderly people confined to their bed or infirm. It also increases the risk of falls and fractures in elderly people [1].
In an effort to promote regular exercise and healthy lifestyles, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital organizes an annual Yongqing Cup Road Race. Regular exercise while young, particularly strengthening the core and leg muscles, can decrease the likelihood of later developing sarcopenia [6].
However, Tseng did not regularly exercise when she was young, which may have contributed to her developing sarcopenia. Despite this, her story serves as a reminder of the importance of early screening, proper nutrition, and regular exercise in managing and preventing sarcopenia.
In summary, combined approaches involving early screening, tailored resistance training, proper nutrition, innovative digital therapies, and integrated healthcare services are effective for preventing and managing sarcopenia in Taiwan's elderly population [1][2][3][4][5].
- To address the growing concern of sarcopenia in elderly individuals, combined approaches involving early screening, tailored resistance training, proper nutrition, innovative digital therapies, and integrated healthcare services can be beneficial.
- Together with current nutritional interventions and resistance training exercises, the incorporation of emerging digital therapeutics, such as MR-based physical therapy platforms, can provide an effective approach for managing sarcopenia and improving the quality of life for elderly people.
