This resource hub has been developed to support healthcare professionals with practical, evidence-informed materials to use in clinical practice. Explore tools, guides, and downloads designed to facilitate conversations about muscle health and support informed, personalised care.
RESOURCES
Muscle Health How to Guide:
Muscle Health Monitoring and Management in Primary Care
ASK:
SARC-F QUESTIONNAIRE
SARC-F (Strength, Assistance in walking, Rise from a chair, Climb stairs, and Falls) is a quick and simple tool that aims to identify those at increased likelihood of poor muscle health and is suitable as a standalone risk assessment approach in clinical settings where resources, space and/or time may be limited.
SARC-F consists of five questions, each of which is rated on a scale of 0 to 2. Once all questions have been answered, the total is calculated. A score of ≥2 identifies those who are at increased likelihood of poor muscle health and can proceed to ASSESS or MANAGE as per the algorithm.1,2
ASSESS:
Handgrip Strength
Handgrip strength (HGS) is a well-accepted, simple clinical marker of muscle strength, especially among the older and unwell populations3. HGS uses a dynamometer to help identify patients who have low muscle strength with HGS score of less than 37 kg (male) or less than 23 kg (female).
Materials required:
- Handgrip dynamometer
- Chair with back rest and fixed arms
ASSESS:
5 Times Sit-to-Stand
The 5 Times Sit-to-Stand test measures dynamic leg muscle strength and physical function by timing how long it takes to complete five chair rises without the use of the arms 4. A result of 11 seconds or more is indicative of low muscle strength and function.
During the test, the participant folds their arms across their chest and attempts to stand up from a chair. HCPs then time how long it takes to perform five rises from the chair to an upright position without the use of the arms.
ASSESS:
3-Metre Timed Up and Go
The 3-metre Timed Up and Go (TUG) test assesses physical function by measuring the time required for an individual to rise from a seated position, walk 3 metres, turn around, return to the chair, and sit down again5. A completion time of 10 seconds or longer may indicate low muscle function.
- Standard height chair (seat height ~46 cm)
- Measuring tape to mark 3-metres from the chair
- A traffic cone or line to mark 3-metres
- Stopwatch
Food for Special Medical Purposes. Use under medical supervision.
References:
1. Malmstrom TK, et al. JAMDA. 2013;14:531-532. 2. Osman M, et al. Eur Geriatr Med. 2023;14:1327–1331. 3. Roberts HC, et al. Age and Ageing. 2011;40:423–429. 4. Dodds RM, et al. JCSM. 2021;12:308-318. 5. Podsiadlo D, et al. JAGS. 1991;39:142-148.
