Sarcopenia prevention and management are highly prioritised goals in the Healthy Ageing agenda. The study aims to: 1) evaluate the effects of the digital-enhanced, volunteer-engaged collaborative care pathway to improve sarcopenia, reduce fall risk, and increase health-related quality of life (HRQL) among community-dwelling older adults with risk of, or diagnosed with, sarcopenia; 2) evaluate whether the volunteers who received health coach capacity training and supported the intervention experienced health benefits across time; 3) explore the engagement experiences and perceived effects of elderly participants with sarcopenia during the program; 4) evaluate the intervention implementation process and effects from the perspectives of social care workers.
aged 60 or above
Pseudo-Sarcopenia as indicated by a score on SARC-CaIF ≥11, OR sarcopenia according relative BIA-based appendicular skeletal mass/ height (Men: <7 kg/m2; women: <5.7 kg/m2), OR handgrip strength on dominant hand (male <28 kg, female <18 kg) (Chen et al., 2025)
the ability to use a smartphone, electronic tablet, or computer
consent to participate
having medical conditions contradictory to physical activity including unstable cardiovascular and orthopaedic conditions
engaging in other structured health promotion program involving physical activity and nutritional enhancement
Parallel
Volunteer-Engaged Lifestyle Optimisation via ICOPE for Sarcopenia program (VELO-S)
BehavioralA series of interactive lifestyle empowerment workshops will be conducted at community centres to translate the care plan into sustainable behavioural changes. One brief orientation and strategic planning and individualised care planning session, five volunteer-enhanced interactive workshops led by nurses will be delivered to equip older adults with knowledge and practical skills to manage sarcopenia. Participants will be assisted by a corresponding health coach throughout the 12-week intervention workshop.
Attention control
BehavioralThe attention control group receives six session meeting covering topics unrelated to sarcopenia, it will be delivered in a small-group with comparable duration and frequency of contact and engagement to those in the intervention group
Appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI)
Appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) measured by Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)
Handgrip Strength
Handgrip strength will be measured by a hydraulic hand dynamometer from dominant hand, taking the highest value among 3 measurements. Low muscle strength is defined if male \<28kg, and femal \<18kg.
Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)
Physical function will be measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), which combines balance test, gait velocity and chair stand. SPPB score ranges from 0-12, higher score better physical performance. Low physical function is defined by SPPB score ≤9.
Sarcopenia and calf circumference scale (SARC-CalF)
Sarcopenia and calf circumference scale (SARC-CalF) includes 5 items (strength, assistance with walking, rising from a chair, climbing stairs, Falls, calf circumference). The score ranges from 0 to 20 points, with a score ≥ 11 points suggestive of sarcopenia.
11-item Edmonton Frail Scale
The Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS) is scored from 0 to 17, with higher scores indicating greater frailty. An EFS score ≥ 8 is generally used as the cutoff for frailty. Scores 6-7 flag patients who are at risk.
Timed Up and Go (TUG) test
Measured by the Timed Up and Go Test in unit of second. A shorter completion time indicates better mobility and balance.
The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA)
Measured by the Mini Nutritional Assessment (scores range from 0 to 30), with a lower score indicating a higher risk of malnutrition.
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