Muscle mass, strength, and physical performance are assessed to diagnose sarcopenia.[1] Diagnosis starts with muscle strength, usually grip strength measured using a calibrated handheld dynamometer, but lower body strength may also be assessed using the chair stand test, which measures the amount of time it takes the individual to rise five times from a seated position without using their arms. If low muscle strength is determined, muscle quantity is assessed to confirm the presence of sarcopenia. Lastly, physical performance is assessed using scores on the gait speed test, the Short Physical Performance Battery, the Timed-Up and Go test, or the 400-meter walk test to determine the severity of sarcopenia.
