System Maintenance Notice

Please note that maintenance work is scheduled between 4 AM and 5 AM - CET. During this time, you may experience reduced performance. Thanks for your patience.

Publications

Journal Article Systematic Review Practice Guideline Ppublish

PubMed: 41025271 DOI: 10.4235/agmr.25.0052

Position statement: Evidence-Based Exercise Guidelines for Sarcopenia in Older Adults: Insights from the Korean Working Group on Sarcopenia.

Ann Geriatr Med Res 29(3):278-294

Authors: Seongryu Bae, Sunga Kong, Chul-Hyun Kim, Ji-Seok Kim, Jin-Ho Koh, Sang Ki Lee, Seok-Ki Min, Seungyong Lee, Jun-Il Yoo, Deog-Yoon Kim, Hyuntae Park, Changsun Kim

Affiliations

  • Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Dong-A University, Busan, Korea. Digital Healthcare Institute, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea.
  • Department of Clinical Research Design and Evaluation, Samsung Advanced Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea. Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
  • Department of Sports Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Korea.
  • Department of Physical Education, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea. Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea.
  • Department of Convergence Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea.
  • Department of Sport Science, College of Natural Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea.
  • Department of Sports and Leisure, Yongin University, Yongin, Korea.
  • Department of Physical Education, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea.
  • Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Inha University Hospital, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea.
  • Departement of Nuclear Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
  • Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Dong-A University, Busan, Korea.
  • Digital Healthcare Institute, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea.
  • Department of Physical Education, Dongduk Women's University, Seoul, Korea.

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is a geriatric muscle disease characterized by the loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical function. To better reflect the unique characteristics of sarcopenia in Korean older adults, the Korean Working Group on Sarcopenia (KWGS) developed a diagnostic algorithm, including a new category of "functional sarcopenia." This study aimed to establish evidence-based exercise guidelines tailored to the KWGS framework.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary expert committee conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2000 and 2024 to assess exercise interventions according exercise interventions by FITT (frequency, intensity, time, type) principles. Five key questions were developed, focusing on optimizing exercise modalities to improve muscle mass, strength, and physical performance in older adults with or without sarcopenia.

RESULTS

A total of 42 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Resistance training was most effective for improving muscle mass and strength, while combined resistance and aerobic exercise is most effective for enhancing physical function. The guideline recommends individualized exercise prescriptions based on sarcopenia subtypes and specific functional deficits, supported by evidence grades and levels.

CONCLUSION

This is the first Korean evidence-based exercise guideline developed within the KWGS algorithm, offering clinical and community practitioners specific, actionable strategies for preventing and managing sarcopenia. It supports tailored interventions using FITT principles aligned with individual goals and sarcopenia classification.

MeSH

Exercise, Muscles, Algorithms, Sarcopenia