When is exercise therapy recommended for sarcopenia?

Sarcopenia involves loss of muscle strength, muscle quantity or physical performance. A physiotherapist may assess walking, chair transfers, balance and the tasks that matter at home. The programme may use resistance exercises, sit-to-stand practice, stepping, walking and balance drills. The load and movement pattern should match your starting point, joint health, fatigue and fall risk.

Arrange an assessment if weakness is making stairs, bathing, carrying items or getting up from a chair harder. Wear stable footwear and tell the therapist about falls, dizziness, pain, long-term conditions and medicines. Follow the prescribed frequency and progress gradually; avoid turning an exercise into a test of endurance. Adequate food and protein intake may also need discussion with a qualified clinician.

Seek prompt medical help for a sudden major loss of strength, a new fall with injury, fainting, chest pain, severe breathlessness or confusion. Stop an exercise and contact your clinician if it causes new severe pain, repeated loss of balance or weakness that does not settle with rest.

Ask which strength or function changes were found, which exercises are suitable with your other conditions, how progress will be checked, and whether a dietitian or falls assessment should be involved.