Sarcopenia is the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength that happens with aging. It affects about one in ten adults over 60 and becomes more common with each decade. Current treatment focuses on resistance exercise and protein intake, but no drugs are approved specifically for sarcopenia.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing anabolic drugs that build muscle directly, medications that block myostatin and other growth-limiting signals, and compounds that improve mitochondrial function in aging muscle. Researchers are also studying testosterone and selective androgen receptor modulators, optimal protein timing and types, and combinations of exercise with drug therapy.
Myostatin inhibitors
Drugs that block myostatin, a protein that limits muscle growth, are in trials for sarcopenia and related conditions. Early results show muscle mass increases, though functional benefits are still being studied.
Selective androgen modulators
These compounds aim to provide testosterone-like muscle-building effects without affecting the prostate or cardiovascular system. Several are being tested in older adults with muscle loss.
Mitochondrial agents
Drugs targeting the energy-producing structures inside muscle cells may help reverse age-related decline. Trials are testing whether improving mitochondrial function translates to better strength and endurance.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on age, measured muscle mass and strength below certain thresholds, walking speed, and absence of other conditions causing muscle loss like cancer or severe kidney disease.
What types of trials are currently open
- Drug trials — Testing medications that build muscle mass or improve muscle function, often combined with resistance exercise programs.
- Exercise trials — Comparing different types of resistance training, protein supplementation timing, or combinations to find optimal approaches for muscle preservation.
- Nutrition trials — Testing high-protein diets, specific amino acids like leucine, or vitamin D supplementation to support muscle health.
- Combination trials — Studying whether drugs work better when paired with exercise and nutrition interventions than any single approach alone.
- Natural history studies — Following older adults over time to understand how muscle loss progresses and what factors predict who develops sarcopenia.
Recently added Sarcopenia trials
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ULTRASONOGRAPHIC QUADRICEPS MUSCLE THICKNESS AND SARCOPENIA MARKERS (HANDGRIP STRENGTH, SARC-F) AND KINESIOPHOBIA IN STROKE PATIENTS
The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between ultrasonography-measured quadriceps muscle thickness and the sarcopenia markers SARC-F questionnaire and handgrip strength in patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke. In addition, the relationship between quadriceps muscle thickness and the level of kinesiophobia will be quantitatively assessed. This study is a cross-sectional clinical study conducted between August 1, 2025, and August 1, 2026, at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic of the University of Health Sciences İstanbul Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital. Fifty volunteer participants with ischemic stroke and a lower-extremity Brunnstrom motor stage of 3 or higher, who presented to the clinic during the study period, were included. Bilateral quadriceps femoris muscle thickness, including the rectus femoris and vastus intermedius muscles, was measured using ultrasonography. The SARC-F questionnaire was used to assess sarcopenia risk, handgrip strength measurement was used to evaluate muscle strength, and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia was used to determine the level of kinesiophobia. Motor recovery stage was assessed using the Brunnstrom Staging system; motor and cognitive independence were assessed using the Functional Independence Measure; walking independence was assessed using the Functional Ambulation Scale; and independence in activities of daily living was assessed using the Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living. Because balance impairment, muscle weakness, and limited mobility are common after stroke, physical performance tests may be difficult to administer safely and consistently in this patient population. Therefore, the relationship between quadriceps muscle thickness and physical performance tests was not evaluated in this study. The Chair Stand Test, which requires repeated sit-to-stand movements as well as adequate balance and lower-extremity muscle strength, was also not included because it may increase the risk of falls in patients with limited mobility. This study aims to demonstrate the clinical potential of ultrasonography in the assessment of post-stroke sarcopenia and to support a more holistic approach to stroke rehabilitation planning that considers both physical and psychological factors.
The Effectiveness of Squat Exercise for Improving Pre-Sarcopenia in Order Adults
With the growing aging population, it has been reported that approximately 10-20% of older adults have pre-sarcopenia. Pre-sarcopenia is defined as a decline in either muscle mass or muscle strength. Previous studies have indicated that squat exercise has significant effects on improving lower-extremity muscle strength and physical performance. Early intervention through resistance exercise during the pre-sarcopenia stage may increase muscle mass, enhance physical performance, and prevent progression to sarcopenia. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of squat exercise on improving pre-sarcopenia among older adults. It is expected that, following the squat exercise intervention, older adults will demonstrate significant improvements in muscle mass, lower-extremity muscle strength, physical performance, and body composition, thereby alleviating pre-sarcopenia.
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