Reducing Falls through targeted Sarcopenia Management: Findings from an MDT Sarcopenia Clinic from Qatar
Abstract
Introduction:
Sarcopenia is recognized as a correlate of ageing and is associated with increased likelihood of adverse outcomes such as decreased mobility, impaired standing balance, functional decline, Falls and Frailty.
To address age related Sarcopenia, an MDT clinic was established in Rumailah hospital which brought expertise from Geriatricians, Physiotherapists and Clinical Dietitians.
Methods:
The Sarcopenia clinic enrolled older adults (>60 years) in the and assessments included SARC-F, handgrip dynamometry, frailty measurements, SPPB, TUG, and BIA. Interventions comprised CGA, progressive resistance and balance training, and individualized nutrition (1.25–1.5 g/kg/day protein, vitamin D, Omega 3 FAs, and supplements where indicated). Follow-ups at 6-, 14-, and 24-weeks reassessed outcomes. MDT reviews ensured personalized adjustments. Data collection followed standardized protocols, and compliance was reinforced via exercise diaries and caregivers.
Results:
Early data demonstrate:
- Reversal of frailty indicators
- Improved orthostatic hypotension symptoms
- Reduction in Falls incidence
- Increased handgrip strength and SPPB scores
- Enhanced gait speed and TUG performance
- Gains in muscle mass (via BIA)
- Improved nutritional screening scores
Several cases transitioned from sarcopenia to non-sarcopenic status within six months. Patients reported reduced fatigue, fewer falls, and improved independence in daily activities.
Conclusion
The Sarcopenia MDT Clinic demonstrates that integrated medical, physiotherapy, and nutritional interventions can reverse sarcopenia, reduce falls, and improve QOL in older adults. By combining standardized assessments with progressive therapy and dietary optimization, the clinic addresses a critical gap in geriatric services. This innovative model strengthens both clinical outcomes and research capacity in Qatar, offering a replicable framework for healthy ageing strategies worldwide. Sustained MDT collaboration essential for advancing sarcopenia management and preventing frailty-related complications.
Comments
What a great outcome!
Well done! It's great that you had a positive outcome not only in falls reduction but the other domains as well. I would be interested to see if there were further gains when other aspects of falls prevention were included e.g. medication review or environment advice.
Falls prevention
Dear Amy
I am delighted that you liked our innovative sarcopenia project and thank you for the question.
All patients received comprehensive geriatric assessment in the Sarcopenia clinic and medication review and environmental advice was given by the Geriatrician. These aspects of care were included in our approach, and it is reflected in results. Let me know if you want to know more about our MDT approach.
Valuable MDT approach to sarcopenia and falls prevention
Thanks for sharing this poster, impressive outcomes. It was great to see improvements not only in strength and mobility, but also reductions in falls risk and some participants no longer meeting sarcopenia criteria after six months.
The combination of medical, physiotherapy, and nutrition input seems like such a valuable model for supporting older adults at risk of frailty and falls.
Have you looked at whether these improvements were maintained longer term after discharge from the clinic?
Sustainability of Sarcopenia Clinic Outcomes After Discharge
Dear Alicia,
Thank you for your question.
This MDT initiative demonstrated improved outcomes in patients presenting with falls following targeted intervention for sarcopenia. As part of the follow-up, we conducted monthly phone follow up for three-months to monitor progress and assess whether gains were maintained, particularly in terms of balance and fall prevention.
All patients were also discharged with comprehensive geriatric input, including medication optimization and assessment and management of orthostatic hypotension.
In addition, we provided nutritional guidance through patient information leaflets, along with exercise videos using simple equipment such as TheraBands to support ongoing rehabilitation at home.
More recently, we have introduced an annual screening programme for our sarcopenia patients who were discharged from the service. This will allow us to evaluate whether improvements in muscle strength, mass, and functional performance are sustained over a longer duration. We aim to share these findings with the team at a future meeting.
I hope this answers your question
This is a really interesting…
This is a really interesting and much needed clinic. The early findings are very encouraging, particularly the transition of some patients from sarcopenic to non-sarcopenic! We do not currently have a dedicated sarcopenia clinic in my Trust, so it is inspiring to see this model being implemented in practice. Great work!
This is really interesting
Dear Kirandeep
Thank you very much for your kind and encouraging feedback. We are pleased to see the early outcomes, particularly the improvement in sarcopenia status, which has been a key goal of establishing this clinic. It’s especially rewarding to hear that the model resonates with colleagues in other Trusts. We hope this approach can contribute to wider adoption and collaboration in sarcopenia care.
The Sarcopenia clinic team truly appreciate your support and interest.