Abstract
Background Sarcopenia is a significant health problem in older adults, characterized by a progressive decline in muscle mass and muscle strength, and is associated with an increased risk of falls, disability, and reduced quality of life. Physical activity is known to play an important role in maintaining muscle function; however, evidence regarding the relationship between physical activity level and sarcopenia among older adults remains inconsistent, particularly in Indonesia. This study aimed to determine the relationship between physical activity and possible sarcopenia in older adults. Methods This study used an analytical observational design with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 67 older adults aged ≥65 years residing in a social institution in West Jakarta who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and classified into light, moderate, and high activity levels. Possible sarcopenia was evaluated according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria, using calf circumference measurement and handgrip strength assessment. Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate analyses. The association between physical activity and possible sarcopenia was tested using Fisher's Exact test with a significance level of 0.05. Results Most participants had a low level of physical activity (71.6%) and were categorized as having possible sarcopenia (59.7%). Bivariate analysis showed no statistically significant association between physical activity level and possible sarcopenia among older adults (p = 0.421). However, effect size analysis indicated that participants with low physical activity had higher odds of possible sarcopenia compared with those with higher activity levels (OR = 2.03; 95% CI: 0.76-5.46), although this association was not statistically significant. Conclusion There was no significant relationship between physical activity and possible sarcopenia in this study. These findings suggest that other factors, such as nutritional status, comorbidities, and individual characteristics, may contribute to the development of possible sarcopenia. Further studies with longitudinal designs and more comprehensive assessment methods are needed to clarify this relationship.