Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome characterized by progressive and generalized loss of strength and muscle mass, most commonly associated with age. Because it is related to reduced mobility, a greater number of falls and fractures, with consequent loss of independence, it is essential to identify the relationship between the risk of sarcopenia, muscle strength, and functional variables to prevent or delay the progression of the syndrome and the associated negative outcomes.

To identify the relationship between the risk of sarcopenia, muscle strength and functional variables in elderly people followed at a geriatric outpatient clinic.

This is a cross-sectional and quantitative study, in which elderly people of both genders, aged 60 years or older, who were waiting for consultation at a geriatrics outpatient clinic were evaluated. According to the 2019 European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) algorithm, the risk of having sarcopenia was initially assessed using the SARC-CalF questionnaire (risk group, RG, N = 8 and no risk group, SG, N = 8), muscle strength through handgrip dynamometry, Bioelectrical Impedance (BIA) to assess muscle mass, and finally the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) instrument was applied to obtain the functional variables.

The groups were homogeneous regarding age (RG, 74.5 ± 3.82, SG, 71.1 ± 8.37) and there was a predominance of men in the risk group (31.3%, n = 5). In the comparison of muscle strength, there was no significant difference between the groups (RG, 24.0 ± 7.46, SG, 20.13 ± 8.96; -3.88; p = 0.363; Cohen = -0.470). Regarding the physical performance score, no significant differences were observed, although there was a moderate effect size (RG, 9.13 ± 0.99, SG, 8.0 ± 2.61; -1.13; p = 0.275; Cohen = -0.568). The measurement of muscle mass showed a significant difference in favor of the non-risk group (RG, 6.64 ± 0.89, SG, 8.06 ± 0.73; 1.43; p = 0.004; Cohen = 1.749).

Elderly people at risk for developing sarcopenia have lower muscle mass, however no significant differences were observed between the groups for muscle strength and physical performance, even though measures were expected to be different due to the higher risk for sarcopenia, which can be explained by the sample size.

Monitoring the variables presented in the present study can help identify changes that indicate an increased risk for sarcopenia, which allows the development of effective prevention and intervention strategies.