“I Move” Workshop As An Opportunity For Slovenian Physiotherapists To Prevent Sarcopenia In Older Adults

Introduction: 15% of people aged 65⁺ and 50% of 80⁺ have sarcopenia. The purpose of this study: to determine whether the exercise program (EP), in the Slovenian behavior change workshop "I move" (WIM), can be effective in preventing sarcopenia in older adults.

Methods: In 2019, 75 physiotherapists from 59 health centers performed 311 WIMs. Participants were tested before/after the EP. Muscle status (MS) of adults was assessed by tests: hand-grip strength test, back extension test, dynamic sit-ups, modified push-up and jump-and-reach test; while MS of elderly with 30-second tests: chair stand test and arm curl test. The results were statistically processed with the SPSS program, with the t-test.

Results: 2888 WIM participants (85% F, 15% M) were tested in the first and/or second time point. The average age of the participants was 60 years. MS in adults: hand-grip strength test (n=714, MD=1,12, 95 % CI 0,77-1,46), back extension test (n=531; MD=15,45; 95 % CI 11,70-19,20), dynamic sit-ups (n=521; MD=2,99; 95 % CI 2,39-3,56), modified push-up (n=488; MD=1,52; 95 % CI 1,24-1,80), jump-and-reach test (n=529; MD=1,91; 95 % CI 1,53-2,29). MS in elderly: 30-second chair stand test (n=768; MD=2,49; 95 % CI 2,28-2,71) and 30-second arm curl test (n=706; MD=2,49; 95 % CI 2,25-2,73).

Discussion: In all seven MS tests, we found statistically significant differences between the averages before/after EP. We anticipate that with some adaptations the EP within WIM could be used to prevent sarcopenia in the elderly.