Does exercise therapy treat sarcopenia?

Exercise therapy can help manage sarcopenia by strengthening muscles, supporting balance, and preserving ability in daily activities. The programme should reflect current strength, mobility, health conditions, and fall risk.

Sarcopenia is age-related loss of muscle strength and muscle quantity that can affect walking, getting up from a chair, carrying items, or climbing stairs. Exercise therapy uses planned resistance, functional practice, and balance work to challenge muscles in a measured way. The aim is useful function, not simply harder workouts. A clinician may also consider nutrition, medicines, pain, fatigue, and other conditions that influence participation.

Ask a physiotherapist to assess chair rises, walking, balance, and the ability to lift or grip objects. Begin with movements that can be performed safely, such as supported sit-to-stand practice or light resistance chosen for you. Progress gradually as control improves, and keep a stable support nearby for balance exercises. Include recovery time and report unusual fatigue, dizziness, chest symptoms, or new pain. The [Exercise Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/exercise-therapy/) page describes supervised progression, and [Sarcopenia](/conditions/sarcopenia/) gives more condition information.

Seek an assessment if weakness is affecting falls, walking, transfers, or self-care. Get prompt medical help for sudden weakness, new trouble speaking, severe breathlessness, chest pressure, fainting, or a fall causing significant injury. A rapid change may have a cause that needs medical evaluation before a training plan is changed.

Which exercises match my current strength and balance? How can I practise safely at home? What signs show that progression is appropriate? Should pain, nutrition, fatigue, or another health condition be reviewed alongside exercise?