Purpose

To assess feasibility of conducting acute sarcopenia research in complex populations of hospitalised older adults.

Patients ≥ 70 years old were recruited to three cohorts: elective colorectal surgery, emergency (abdominal) surgery, medical patients with infections. Participants were recruited to the elective cohort in preoperative assessment clinic, and acutely admitted participants from surgical and medical wards at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

Serial measures of muscle quantity (ultrasound quadriceps, bioelectrical impedance analysis), muscle function (hand grip strength, physical performance), and questionnaires (mini-nutritional assessment, physical function) were performed at baseline, within 7 (± 2) days of admission/surgery, and 13 (± 1) weeks post-admission/surgery.

 Feasibility outcomes were assessed across timepoints including recruitment and drop-out rates, and procedure completion rates.