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Enrolling by Invitation

NCT Number: NCT07127692

Prevalence of Sarcopenia-Promoting Medicines in Patients With Sarcopenia and Falls

Sarcopenia, characterised by the loss of muscle mass and function, is a common condition among the elderly and is often associated with increased risk of falls. Certain medications, such as glucocorticoids, statins, and some antipsychotics, may exacerbate sarcopenia, leading to a higher incidence of falls. This study aims to explore the prevalence of such medicines in patients diagnosed with sarcopenia who have experienced falls. Understanding the impact of these medications on sarcopenia and fall risk can inform clinical guidelines and improve patient outcomes.

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Key information

Conditions

Sarcopenia in Elderly Atrophy Falls Muscular Atrophy Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Neuromuscular Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Anatomical Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Sarcopenia Signs and Symptoms

Age range

65 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Medway NHS Foundation Trust

Gillingham, Kent, ME7 5NY, United Kingdom

About this study

Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, is a recognised contributor to frailty, disability, and increased fall risk in older adults. While physical inactivity and comorbidities are known risk factors, increasing evidence suggests that certain medications - including corticosteroids, sedatives and statins - may also contribute to muscle decline. These medicines are frequently prescribed to older adults, but the extent of their use in patients with sarcopenia and falls remains poorly defined.

Falls clinics manage high-risk patients, yet there is currently limited research examining the prevalence of sarcopenia-promoting medications in this specific setting. This study addresses an important knowledge gap by estimating the prevalence of these medicines in older adults attending a secondary care falls clinic, and by exploring associations with sarcopenia and fall history.

The findings will support a better understanding of medication-related risk factors for sarcopenia and may help guide future deprescribing and medication review strategies. This aligns with current priorities in geriatric medicine to reduce inappropriate polypharmacy and improve outcomes for older adults through targeted, evidence-based prescribing.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Aged ≥65 years
  • Attendance at the falls clinic for a new assessment
  • Diagnosed with sarcopenia (based on the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) criteria)
  • History of falls in the past 12 months

Exclusion criteria

  • Cognitive impairment preventing consent
  • Acute medical instability
  • Enrolled in on other clinical trials.

Treatment and study plan

Strength, Assistance with walking, Rise from a chair, Climb stairs, and Falls (SARC-F) questionnaire

Diagnostic Test

Self-administered screening tool for sarcopenia

Hand grip strength

Diagnostic Test

Used to assess sarcopenia

Timed Up and Go test

Diagnostic Test

Screening test for falls in elderly

Gait speed

Diagnostic Test

Assessment to check for functional mobility and risk of falls.

Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS)

Diagnostic Test

Used to assess level of frailty.

Primary outcomes

  1. Prevalence of exposure to one or more sarcopenia-promoting medication

    Time frame: 6 months

    Proportion of adults aged 65 years and over attending the falls clinic who are prescribed one or more sarcopenia-promoting medication. Unit of measure: % of participants.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Distribution of sarcopenia-promoting medication classes

    Time frame: 6 months

    Proportion of participants exposed to each medication class. Unit of measure: % of participants per medication class.

  2. Number of sarcopenia-promoting medications per participant

    Time frame: 6 months

    Mean number of eligible medications prescribed per participant. Unit of measure: count.

  3. Handgrip strength

    Time frame: 6 months

    Mean maximum grip strength measured with a Jamar dynamometer. Unit of Measure: Kilograms (kg).

  4. Gait speed

    Time frame: 6 months

    Mean walking speed measured over 4 metres. Unit of measure: metres per second (m/s)

  5. SARC-F score

    Time frame: 6 months

    SARC-F mean score. Unit of measure: points (0-10)

  6. Timed Up and Go Test

    Time frame: 6 months

    Mean time taken to stand from a chair, walk 3 metres, turn, walk back and sit down. Unit of measure: Seconds (s).

  7. Association between medication burden and functional performance

    Time frame: 6 months

    Comparison of grip strength, gait speed, SARC-F scores and Timed Up and Go performance across groups defined by medication burden e.g. 0-1 vs >2 sarcopenia promoting medications. Units of measure: Differences in mean values (kg, m/s, points, seconds).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Medway NHS Foundation Trust

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Exploratory Study on the Prevalence of Sarcopenia-Promoting Medicines in Patients With Sarcopenia and Falls

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2027
Study completion
2027
First posted
Aug 17, 2025
Registry last updated
Jun 16, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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