Fisioterapia Brasil · Oct 14, 2026
Impact of sarcopenia on hospitalization outcomes and rehabilitation strategies: An integrative review
By de Medeiros JP, Silva DAC, Guareschi DE et al.
INTRODUCTION: Sarcopenia negatively affects functioning in older adults and is exacerbated by the hospital environment. Structured rehabilitation strategies have been investigated to attenuate this decline. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the available evidence on the impact of sarcopenia on hospitalization outcomes (functional recovery, mobility, participation in rehabilitation, and length of stay) and on the effects of rehabilitation strategies on these outcomes. METHODS: This is an integrative literature review of the Public Medline (PubMed), Virtual Health Library (BVS), and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) databases, including studies published between 2016 and 2026 in Portuguese, English, or Spanish. The search yielded 417 initial records, of which 11 studies from PubMed comprised the final sample after title and abstract screening and full-text review by two independent reviewers. RESULTS: Interventions based on multicomponent exercise, resistance training, and functional exercises, frequently combined with protein nutritional support, were associated, in some studies, with favorable results in outcomes such as handgrip strength, muscle mass, gait speed, and physical function. The presence of sarcopenia was associated with a lower frequency of physical therapy and poorer walking independence at discharge. No serious adverse events were reported for these approaches, although safety was not a primary outcome in most studies. Improved quality of life and reduced post-discharge care needs were observed in one study, and reduced rehabilitation time in a single clinical trial. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia is associated with poorer functional outcomes of hospitalization. Rehabilitation for older adults with sarcopenia should be continuous and individualized, primarily combining structured physical exercise and nutritional support. This approach has favorable but heterogeneous evidence that remains insufficient to define specific protocols.