Sarcopenia associated with unsteadiness and falls syndrome: Updated review for clinical practice

Abstract

Introduction: Sarcopenia is a physiological and multifactorial process that occurs during aging, characterized by the progressive reduction of muscle mass, this condition is closely related to the syndrome of instability and falls that together with other alterations and advanced age contributes to the decrease of locomotion generating a progressive deterioration of the state of physical, psychic and social functionality. Objectives: to describe the fundamental aspects of sarcopenia in the development of the syndrome of instability and falls in the elderly.  Method: this is a descriptive, documentary and retrospective cross-sectional study, based on the compilation of databases such as PubMed, Google Academy, Medline, Scielo and physical and digital texts. Result: Sarcopenia is a progressive and generalized skeletal muscle disorder that is associated with an increased likelihood of adverse outcomes such as falls, fractures, physical disability and mortality, factors such as age, sex, smoking, osteoporosis, diabetes have been evidenced. Diagnosis is based on the assessment of loss of muscle strength, mass and performance. These factors cause difficulty in walking, decreased grip strength, impaired balance, frailty that predisposes to geriatric syndrome of instability and falls. Discussion: Numerous studies have addressed the interconnection between sarcopenia and the geriatric syndrome of instability and falls, shedding light on the nature and significance of this relationship. These investigations have identified multiple points of convergence and have provided evidence of the ways in which sarcopenia may influence the incidence and severity of falls in older adults. Conclusions: Sarcopenia is closely related to the syndrome of instability and falls due to pathophysiological aspects that influence balance, support and strength, which together with risk factors such as bad habits, associated diseases, alterations of the osteomyoarticular system and advanced age contribute to a decrease in locomotion, generating a progressive deterioration in the physical functionality of the geriatric patient.