DECONDITIONING, SARCOPENIA, FRAILTY-DEFINITIONS

SUMMARY

1. Deconditioning: complex process of physiological change following a period of inactivity, bedrest or sedentary lifestyle, resulting in functional loss which is potentially reversible.

2. Sarcopenia: progressive & generalised loss of skeletal muscle mass (0.5-1% per year after 50 yrs of age).

3. Frailty syndrome: loss of physiologic and cognitive reserves that predisposes to adverse outcomes from acute stressors associated with aging; 3 of 4 criteria: weakness, slowness, low level of physical activity, self-reported exhaustion and unintentional weight loss.

Reference(s)

Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.