What to expect from a falls prevention programme for sarcopenia

Sarcopenia involves loss of muscle strength and muscle mass, which can make stairs, rising from a chair, or recovering from a trip harder. The therapist may observe transfers, walking, turning, and balance, then select exercises such as sit-to-stand practice, supported heel raises, stepping, and resistance work. They may also ask about appetite, unplanned weight change, fatigue, footwear, eyesight, and medicines. A doctor or dietitian can address nutrition when low intake is contributing to weakness.

Use the prescribed repetitions and resistance rather than adding difficulty quickly. Keep a stable surface nearby, remove trip hazards, and pause if you feel light-headed or unusually breathless. Practise useful tasks, such as standing from a firm chair or stepping over a low threshold, only as taught. Protein-rich food may be discussed, but dietary changes should consider kidney disease, swallowing problems, and other conditions. Bring your walking aid to sessions so its use can be checked.

Tell your clinician about repeated falls, new difficulty standing, rapidly worsening weakness, or inability to complete familiar tasks. Seek urgent help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, sudden one-sided weakness, or a fall causing head, neck, hip, or back injury. Do not continue an exercise that causes sharp pain or a new neurological symptom.

Ask how sarcopenia was assessed, what strength target is appropriate, whether nutrition review is needed, how to progress resistance, and how to adapt the plan during illness or fatigue.