Global Prevalence, Clinical Impact and Diagnosis Criteria of Sarcopenia in Older Adults with Asthma: A systematic review with Meta-analysis

Background: Sarcopenia is a progressive and generalized skeletal muscle disorder associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes, including physical disability, poor quality of life, and mortality. Although well recognized in the context of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), its prevalence and clinical consequences in older adults with asthma remain poorly defined. Objective: This systematic review and metanalysis aims to analyze the existing evidence regarding the prevalence of sarcopenia and its clinical impact in older adults diagnosed with asthma. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines, systematic searches will be conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Scielo, and LILACS from inception to the search date. Eligible studies will include participants aged ≥60 years with physician-diagnosed asthma, reporting sarcopenia prevalence and/or its association with clinical outcomes such as exacerbations, hospitalizations, physical function, quality of life, or mortality. Observational and interventional studies published in English or Spanish will be considered. Data will be extracted on study characteristics, diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia, prevalence estimates, and reported clinical impacts.