Sarcopenia and intrinsic capacity in aging: implications for geriatric physiotherapy assessment and care

Abstract

The interplay between sarcopenia and intrinsic capacity represents a critical challenge in geriatric health care. As muscle mass, strength, and performance decline with age, so too does an older adult’s overall functional reserve, captured by the concept of intrinsic capacity. This letter addresses the relevance of this relationship for geriatric physiotherapy, emphasizing the need for early detection and comprehensive functional assessment. Physiotherapists play a key role in monitoring domains such as locomotion, cognition, vitality, and psychological well-being—each essential to maintaining independence. Integrating intrinsic capacity assessments into physiotherapy practice enables more person-centered, preventive, and adaptive care strategies. Understanding this connection may guide clinicians in designing interventions that not only address sarcopenia, but also support broader goals of healthy aging and functional resilience.

Keywords: Multidimensional assessment, clinical screening, functional resilience