Target population for clinical trials.
The target population for clinical trials aimed at sarcopenia depends on the goals of treatment and the expected natural history of sarcopenia. Based on a natural history where loss of muscle mass and/or quality leads to loss of strength, and eventually to reduced mobility and functional dependence, treatment goals can be defined for both preventive and therapeutic interventions. For example, a target population with low muscle mass and poor strength could be treated to prevent the onset of mobility disability, or a target population with low muscle mass and poor strength with mobility disability could be treated therapeutically to improve mobility. Eligibility for a trial should also be based on careful consideration of factors that affect 1) the ability to respond to treatment, 2) the safety of treatment, 3) expected prevalence and 4) feasibility.
Studenski
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Pittsburgh Claude D. Pepper Center, PA, USA. sas33@pitt.edu
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018579:Patient Selection; D055948:Sarcopenia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome