Severity of Sarcopenia in Parkinson's Disease

Investigation of Sarcopenia Severity in Patients With Parkinson's Disease

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and dynapenia in Parkinson's disease patients, classified into early-stage (<2.5) and moderate-stage (≥2.5) according to the Modified Hoehn and Yahr scale, and healthy controls using the ICF-based ISarcoPRM algorithm, and to examine the differences in regional muscle morphology, muscle strength, and physical performance between groups.This study was conducted as a cross-sectional research. The study included 43 Parkinson's disease patients aged 50-75 years, classified as stages 1-3 according to the Modified Hoehn-Yahr Scale, and 22 healthy individuals with similar demographic characteristics. Parkinson's disease patients were divided into two subgroups according to the Modified Hoehn-Yahr Scale: early stage (<2.5) and intermediate stage (≥2.5). Demographic information of all participants was recorded, and clinical evaluations were performed. Parkinson's disease staging was assessed using the Modified Hoehn-Yahr Scale. Muscle mass was assessed using ultrasonography to measure anterior femoral muscle thickness. Muscle strength was measured by handgrip strength, and physical performance was assessed using a five-count sit-up test.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Score between 24 and 30 on the Mini Mental State Examination
• Be diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease by a neurologist
• Stage 1-3 on the Modified Hoehn and Yahr Scale

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability to communicate verbally
• Elderly people with severe visual impairment, neurological disorders in addition to Parkinson's and/or congestive heart failure
• Older adults in whom exercise is not recommended