Published online Nov 26, 2022. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i33.12200
Peer-review started: July 22, 2022
First decision: September 25, 2022
Revised: October 18, 2022
Accepted: October 31, 2022
Article in press: October 31, 2022
Published online: November 26, 2022
Sarcopenia is an age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass, which depends on an assessment of muscle strength and muscle mass. The diagnostic definition of sarcopenia varies by region.
The mass and function of skeletal muscle may be influenced by hypoxia at high altitudes. It is unclear whether the Lhasa criteria for sarcopenia are suitable for Xining.
To determine the optimal diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia in a plateau population.
Handgrip strength, muscle mass, and physical performance were measured. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 criteria, Beijing criteria, and Lasha criteria.
Across diagnostic criteria, there were significant differences in the prevalence of sarcopenia in the overall population and stratified by gender. The prevalence of sarcopenia measured by the AWGS 2019 or Lasha criteria was significantly higher in female compared to male subjects. In males, the prevalence of sarcopenia measured by the Beijing criteria was significantly higher in subjects who identified as Han compared to Minority. In females, there were no significant differences in the prevalence of sarcopenia by ethnicity according to any criteria.
The Lasha criteria are likely most appropriate for detection of sarcopenia in this plateau population. We recommend the Lasha criteria for detection of sarcopenia in Xining.
Future research will explore diagnostic cut-off values for sarcopenia in Xining based on data collected from a larger number of hospitalized and community-dwelling subjects.