Impact of sarcopenia on mobility and functional independence in the elderly population: An integrative review

Abstract

Introduction: Sarcopenia is a progressive and generalized muscle disorder characterized primarily by a reduction in muscle strength, which is considered a key parameter for its identification. Muscle impairment can negatively affect mobility, physical performance, and the performance of activities of daily living, and is associated with a higher incidence of falls and other adverse functional outcomes. Objective: To synthesize available evidence on the impact of sarcopenia on the mobility and functional independence of the elderly population, considering its association with functional decline, limitations in activities of daily living, mobility impairment, and the risk of falls. Methods: This is an integrative literature review of a qualitative and descriptive nature. Searches were conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), and Virtual Health Library (BVS) databases using controlled descriptors and free terms related to sarcopenia, the elderly, mobility, functional capacity, activities of daily living, muscle strength, falls, and physical exercise. Initially, 68 records were identified; after removing 18 duplicates and applying eligibility criteria, 12 studies comprised the final sample. Data, collected in September 2026, were analyzed descriptively and qualitatively. Results: The studies demonstrated an association between sarcopenia and an increased risk of functional decline, mobility impairment, disability in activities of daily living, and the occurrence of falls. Reduced muscle strength showed a particularly significant relationship with impaired mobility and physical performance, while lower muscle mass was also associated with a deterioration in physical function. Aspects related to nutritional status showed an association with greater functional impairment in certain groups evaluated. Regarding interventions, physical exercise showed favorable effects, primarily on muscle strength and components of physical performance. Resistance training and combined modalities were associated with improvements in parameters such as lower-limb strength, gait speed, and performance on functional tests, although the effects varied depending on the protocols used and the characteristics of the populations studied. Conclusion: Sarcopenia is associated with impaired mobility and functional independence in the elderly population, linking to a decline in physical function, limitations in activities of daily living, and increased vulnerability to falls. Integrated assessment of muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance proves relevant for identifying the functional impairment associated with the condition. Regarding interventions, the analyzed evidence demonstrated favorable effects primarily on muscle strength and specific components of physical performance—including lower-limb strength, gait speed, and functional test performance—without, however, allowing for a broad claim of overall recovery of mobility or functional capacity.