Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the SARC-F to assess sarcopenia: methodological report from European Union Geriatric Medicine Society Sarcopenia Special Interest Group

Abstract

Sarcopenia is a well-identified process of aging known to cause functional deterioration, falls, fractures, frailty and mortality. Considering the global aging population, sarcopenia assessment has become a public health priority because its early detection is expected to prevent or decrease adverse outcomes through commencement of therapeutic measures. Therefore, the diagnosis of sarcopenia mediated by effective screening is expected to become particularly important. Being very practical with clearly demonstrated value to predict sarcopenia-related adverse outcomes, SARC-F questionnaire stands as one of the best tools to evaluate sarcopenia in every day practice. SARC-F has originally been created in English. Considering the variety of languages in Europe, it seems very valid to adapt and validate this tool in different European languages. This report is written to explain the details of the final consensus methodology suggested for SARC-F validation, thereby guiding and helping the research teams in their studies.