International Journal of Physiology Sports and Physical Education · Feb 2026

Assessment of Sarcopenia-related alterations in lower-limb skeletal muscle: Current approaches

By Tsvetkova-Gaberska M, Ganeva M

Sarcopenia is a progressive musculoskeletal syndrome characterised by a loss of muscle strength and mass, as well as impaired neuromuscular control. This leads to a deterioration in functional status, an increased risk of falls, and a reduced quality of life in older people. Modern diagnostic concepts emphasise the importance of functional assessment for the early detection of the first signs of sarcopenia. Objectives: This report aims to present and discuss modern approaches to the functional and instrumental assessment of sarcopenia in older people. Materials and Methods: A systematic search was performed in the following databases: PubMed/PMC, Scopus, Web of Science, etc. The following key search phrases were used: “sarcopenia”, “muscle strength”, “elderly”, “functional assessment tests”, “questionnaires”, “rating scales”, “muscle atrophy”, “aging”, etc. Publications from the last ten years were included, with priority given to randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews and meta-analyses, as well as clinical cohort studies. Results: Accumulating scientific evidence shows that muscle mass, muscle strength and physical function do not decrease in parallel, and often the loss of strength (dynapnea) precedes a significant reduction in muscle mass. This explains why modern consensuses (EWGSOP2) consider the role of functional tests, bioimpedance analysis, ultrasound, isokinetic dynamometry and imaging in the screening, diagnosis and follow-up of this condition, in accordance with current international recommendations. Conclusion: Combining functional assessment with instrumental methods increases diagnostic accuracy and aids in the staging and monitoring of sarcopenia.

doi.org/10.33545/26647710.2026.v8.i2a.209Open accessBiomarkers