The most effective method in the treatment of muscle wasting is exercise

European University of Lefke (EUL) Faculty of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department Lecturer Specialist. Pt. Beraat Alptuğ shared important information about Sarcopenia (muscle wasting) and aging.

“From the age of 30, we all begin to gradually lose muscle mass and strength. With the advancing age, various degrees of loss in body functions occur. Muscle wasting in the elderly, also known as sarcopenia, is one of the most important of these processes and one of the most common geriatric syndromes. It typically occurs faster around age 75 and is a serious condition that can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. Alptuğ continued his words as follows;

Besides sarcopenia, physical disability, low quality of life,

• Increasing the risk of loss of balance, falling and breaking

• Increasing the need and duration of hospital stay

• Increased complications after surgery

• It causes other health problems such as increasing the risk of death.

Although sarcopenia is common (an estimated 10-20% of older adults have sarcopenia), many people are not diagnosed or treated for the condition.

Symptoms of sarcopenia can include:

• Balance disorder, falling

• Muscle weakness and weakness

• Slow walking speed

• Difficulty climbing stairs

• Muscle loss noticed by the person

• Difficulty performing normal daily activities

If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, a healthcare professional should be consulted. The important thing in the treatment of sarcopenia is to control its severity. Therefore, behavioral changes are primary treatments. Clinical interventions focused on exercise and nutrition.

Is it possible to prevent sarcopenia?

Precautions to be taken before disease and disability occur are important. According to studies, it is important to maintain physical activity in order to prevent sarcopenia. All adults should be recommended to lead an active lifestyle that includes at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.

The positive effect of physical activity and regular and balanced nutrition increases. However, elderly individuals are at risk for vitamin D deficiency, and vitamin D therapy can be recommended to prevent functional declines and reduce the risk of falling in the fight against sarcopenia in elderly individuals with low vitamin D levels.

Is it possible to prevent sarcopenia?

Precautions to be taken before disease and disability occur are important. According to studies, it is important to maintain physical activity in order to prevent sarcopenia. All adults should be recommended to lead an active lifestyle that includes at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.

The positive effect of physical activity and regular and balanced nutrition increases. However, elderly individuals are at risk for vitamin D deficiency, and vitamin D therapy can be recommended to prevent functional declines and reduce the risk of falling in the fight against sarcopenia in elderly individuals with low vitamin D levels.

Is physiotherapy important in sarcopenia?

The most effective method in the treatment of sarcopenia is exercise. A correct exercise program prepared by a physiotherapist can help prevent sarcopenia and start a program customized just for you. The content of the program consists of muscle strengthening, endurance and resistance exercises. When done regularly and correctly, it can help the nervous muscle system and hormone development. It may also improve an older adult’s ability to convert protein into energy in as little as two weeks. The appropriate number, intensity, and frequency of resistance exercise are important to get the most benefit with the least risk of injury. You should work with an experienced physical therapist to develop an exercise plan.

Effects of exercises;

• Progression of muscle loss can be prevented with resistance training aimed at improving muscle strength and endurance. Sarcopenia can be significantly treated with a physiotherapist when a regular exercise program is followed. In addition, physical exercises such as strength training, aerobics, walking and hydrotherapy can also be used in the treatment of sarcopenia.

• It is extremely important that especially the elderly participate in muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week. During these activities, all muscle groups should be used, including legs, arms, chest, shoulders, abdomen and back.

• Sarcopenia can be kept under control with aerobic and endurance training. Sarcopenia can be prevented and reversed with aerobic exercise accompanying resistance training. In this way, it helps to increase low muscle mass and strengthen existing muscles.

Alptuğ finished her statement as follows; If you think you are losing strength or muscle mass due to sarcopenia, injury or another health problem, you can consult a physical therapist to improve your movement and ability and lead a quality life.