Frailty and sarcopenia are clinical conditions that become more prevalent as people age. Frailty is a geriatric syndrome characterized by a marked physiological decline, exponentially increasing the individual’s vulnerability and risk of death. This syndrome is, therefore, a significant risk factor for functional and cognitive decline. In parallel, sarcopenia is a musculoskeletal condition characterized by the loss of muscle mass and function (i.e., muscle strength) and is a major component of frailty. Both conditions are interconnected, especially regarding physical function, since a frail individual is more prone to have low grip strength and slow walking speed. Given the relevance of frailty and sarcopenia to public health, it is of utmost importance to apply valid testing protocols for an accurate diagnosis of both conditions and, consequently, to implement effective interventions to treat or reverse them.

The diagnosis of frailty can be made using the frailty phenotype (Fried’s criteria), while sarcopenia can be diagnosed using the scale developed by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2). Despite the scientific validity of both tools, the defined cut-off values may have limited clinical utility when interpreted in individuals with different physical characteristics and age groups from those that served as support for defining the original cut-off values. Therefore, it becomes determinant to develop more studies focused on defining specific cut-off values for different populations and age groups (including those under 65) for a more accurate diagnosis of frailty and sarcopenia and, consequently, for a better prescription of individualized exercise programs.

This Research Topic welcomes researchers to publish high-quality studies on diagnosing and treating frailty and sarcopenia in middle-aged and older adults. The topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

i) The analysis of the diagnostic accuracy and definition of new cut-off values of physical field tests to determine the presence and degree of frailty and sarcopenia in middle-aged and older adults.

ii) The quantification of the prevalence of frailty and/or sarcopenia in community-dwelling or institutionalized middle-aged adults and/or older adults.

iii) The analysis of the impact of individualized exercise programs (e.g., resistance training, multicomponent training) to treat or reverse frailty and/or sarcopenia in middle-aged adults and/or older adults.

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Frontiers in Sports and Active Living

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