Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia contributes significantly to falls, frailty, and functional decline. Falls result from multiple factors. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether sarcopenia assessment tools can predict falls and recurrent falls in patients with mild to moderate Parkinson's Disease (PD). METHODS: The authors conducted a cohort study from March 2021 to March 2023 at a Brazilian tertiary public hospital, including patients aged 50 or older with mild to moderate PD who could stand and walk independently. The authors utilized tests recommended by the revised European consensus on sarcopenia (2019): SARC-F, grip strength, Short Physical Performance Battery, and body composition via DEXA scan. SARC-F is a cost-effective tool for assessing sarcopenia risk, evaluating perceived physical limitations. Participants completed a standardized fall report and were monitored monthly for twelve months. RESULTS: Among 103 patients, 48 (46.6 %) experienced falls, and 23 (22.3 %) had recurrent falls, totaling 159 falls. Longer disease duration predicted both falls and recurrent falls over 12-months. A history of falls in the last six months and dysautonomia also predicted falls, while SARC-F scores and type-2 diabetes predicted recurrent falls. SARC-F accuracy ranged from 58.06 % at a score of 4 % to 78.64 % at 10, with a correlation to UPDRS Part III. CONCLUSIONS: SARC-F, disease duration, and type-2 diabetes were independent predictors of recurrent falls. A history of falls, disease duration, and dysautonomia predicted falls. Confirmed sarcopenia did not predict falls or recurrent falls in this cohort.