Mixed
In older adults with sarcopenia, those with higher baseline functional reserve (Gait Speed ≥ 0.8 m/s or SPPB = 8) experience significant functional decline over 6 months, whereas those with lower baseline function do not show significant change in gait speed.
For older adults with sarcopenia, functional decline is not uniform. Those who still have some mobility reserve (walking speed ≥ 0.8 m/s) are actively losing function and are at higher risk for rapid decline. Those with very low function may appear stable simply because they have reached a functional floor. Monitoring should focus on those with residual capacity who are losing it.
Both GS and 6MWD decreased significantly in subgroup with GS ≥ 0.8 m/sec at baseline (-0.047 ± 0.185 m/sec; p = 0.017... p = 0.001, respectively). In subgroup with SPPB = 8 at baseline, 6MWD also decreased (-36.80 ± 67.60 m; p < 0.001)... Conversely, the subgroup with SPPB < 8 at baseline... no significant mean change was observed in GS... (p = 0.301).
Why this rating
Observational study with nominal p-values and no correction for multiplicity; results are statistically significant in subgroups but lack causal inference.
Source
Characterizing sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in patients aged 65 years and over, at risk of mobility disability: a multicenter observational trial (SARA-OBS)
Roger A. Fielding et al. · BMC Geriatrics · 2025
DOI 10.1186/s12877-025-05895-9
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