The purpose of this observational study is to examine whether differences in muscle strength between the dominant and non-dominant sides of the body are associated with sarcopenia in older adults. The study will include adults aged 65 years and older with and without sarcopenia. Muscle strength will be measured on both sides of the body using handgrip strength as well as strength measurements of the biceps (upper arm muscle) and quadriceps (thigh muscle). The difference in strength between the dominant and non-dominant sides will be calculated and compared between participants with sarcopenia and those without sarcopenia.
The main question it aims to answers are:
* Do older adults with sarcopenia have larger differences in muscle strength between the two sides of the body compared with those without sarcopenia?
* Can differences in arm and leg muscle strength help identify older adults who may be at higher risk of sarcopenia?
Who can participate
Age range
65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age 65 years or older
* Ability to walk independently or with minimal assistance
* Ability to understand and follow simple instructions
* Willingness and ability to provide written informed consent
* Availability of muscle strength measurements (handgrip, biceps, and quadriceps)
Exclusion Criteria:
* Lack of cooperation, moderate to severe dementia (e.g., MMSE \<24) or conditions impeding cooperation.
* Those with severe cardiovascular disease
* Those with pacemakers
* Surgical/fracture/acute pain in the measured extremities within the last 6 months.
* Neurological and muscular disease affecting the upper or lower extremity (acute stroke, severe peripheral neuropathy, etc.)
* Active systemic disease attack significantly affecting the measurement.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Biceps Muscle Strength Asymmetry
Timeframe: Baseline
2
Quadriceps Muscle Strength Asymmetry
Timeframe: Baseline
3
Handgrip Strength (Dominant and Non-Dominant)
Timeframe: Baseline
Trial details
NCT IDNCT07414888
SponsorIstanbul Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital