title: A pilot study of the SARC-F scale on screening sarcopenia and physical disability in the Chinese older people.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The SARC-F scale is a newly developed tool to diagnose sarcopenia and obviate the need for measurement of muscle mass. SARC-F ≥ 4 is defined as sarcopenia. The questions of SARC-F cover physical functions targeting sarcopenia or initial presentation for sarcopenia. The aim of the study is to explore the application of SARC-F in the Chinese people.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two hundred thirty Chinese people over 65 years old were assessed by the SARC-F scale, PSMS, Lawton IADL and the shortened version of the falls efficacy scale-international(the short FES-I). Hospitalization was investigated. Physical performance and strength were measured. The association of SARC-F with other scales or tests was analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Poor physical performance and grip strength were associated with SARC-F ≥ 4 independently (P<0.005). The κ value for agreement of SARC-F ≥ 4 and cutoff points of tests were 0.391 to 0.635. The short FES-I were correlated to SARC-F scores (Spearman's coefficient 0.692). Poor PSMS and Lawton IADL scores were associated with SARC-F ≥ 4(P=0.000) and SARC-F ≥ 4 was associated with hospitalization in the past 2 years (P=0.000).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The SARC-F scale can identify old Chinese people with impaired physical function who may suffered from sarcopenia. SARC-F judgment reflects fear of falling, indicates the hospitalization events and is associated with ability of daily life. Thus, SARC-F may be a simple and useful tool for screening individuals with impaired physical function. Further studies on SARC-F in Chinese people would be worthy.
authors.affiliation: Birong Dong, No. 37 Guoxuexiang, Wuhou District, Chengdu, China, 610041, birongdong@163.com, FAX: 028-85422321.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cao
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zou
authors.forename: X
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Ding
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gao
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Liao
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: T K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Malmstrom
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Morley
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Flaherty
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: An
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dong
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D044466:Asian People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D009929:Organ Size; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012306:Risk; D055948:Sarcopenia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*