Sarcopenia and Risk of Falls in Patients With Major Chronic Diseases

The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of therapeutic exercise and nutrition intervention for sarcopenia and risk of falls in patients with major chronic diseases. The outcomes will be analyzed regarding muscle strength, quality, and volume, etc., balance and gait, bone density, body composition, fall and quality of life after the intervention.

The main common chronic diseases in the elderly such as stroke, osteoporosis, chronic kidney disease and cancer, have been regarded as the fall high-risk patients. These patients are considered to be at risk for sarcopenia due to decreased exercise, nutritional status, and other reasons. Sarcopenia can be diagnosed and intervened effectively to delay the vicious cycle of health. Past studies have pointed out that in addition to drug intervention, treatment for sarcopenia must be accompanied by appropriate exercise and nutritional intervention (such as protein supplements, vitamin D) in order to achieve the best prevention and treatment.