Impact of sarcopenia on hospitalization outcomes and rehabilitation strategies: An integrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62827/fb.v27i9.1351Keywords:
Exercise Therapy; Length of Stay; Muscle Strength; Physical Functional Performance; Recovery of Function.Abstract
Introduction: Sarcopenia negatively impacts the functionality of older adults and is worsened by the hospital environment. Structured rehabilitation strategies have been investigated to mitigate this decline. Objective: To analyze 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 in Public Medline (PubMed), Virtual Health Library (VHL), 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 reading by two independent reviewers. Results: Interventions based on multicomponent exercises, resistance and functional training, often 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. Sarcopenia was associated with lower physiotherapy frequency and poorer gait 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 shorter rehabilitation time in a single clinical trial. Conclusion: Sarcopenia is associated with poorer functional outcomes of hospitalization. Rehabilitation for older adults with sarcopenia should be continuous and individualized, primarily combining structured physical exercises and nutritional support. This approach is supported by favorable but heterogeneous evidence that is still insufficient to define specific protocols.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Juan Pereira de Medeiros , Daniel Augusto Carlos Silva , Dafne Ercole Guareschi, Guilherme Dias Coelho Silva, Felipe Sampaio Lopes (Autor)
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