Objective:

To identify the prevalence of sarcopenia among outpatient subjects in the physiotherapy unit of a public hospital in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires and describe their characteristics.

Materials and method:

A descriptive, observational, prospective study was conducted in the physiotherapy unit of a public hospital in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires between February and March 2023. Subjects over 18 years of age referred to the unit were included. The algorithm proposed by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 was used for the diagnosis.

Results:

Of the 137 subjects evaluated, the prevalence of probable sarcopenia was 11.7% The mean age was 65.1 (SD 14.3) years, and 81.3% were women. Seventy-five percent of the subjects did not perform physical activity and had a body mass index (BMI) of 28,3 kg/m2 (SD 6,8).

Conclusion:

Even though no subjects with confirmed sarcopenia were found, the probable sarcopenia was 11.7%. The subjects had a mean age of 65.1 (SD 14.3) years, with a predominance of women. Most subjects did not perform physical activity and had a mean BMI indicative of overweight.

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