Sarcopenia screen (SARC-F)
Five questions about strength and mobility, plus an optional grip-strength check. A screen, not a diagnosis.
Sarcopenia screen (SARC-F)
Answer five questions about the past few months. Add your grip strength if you have a hand dynamometer. This is a screen, not a diagnosis.
Your SARC-F score
Answer the questions, then tap the button.
Sources: Malmstrom and Morley (2013), J Am Med Dir Assoc 14(8):531-2; Chen et al. (2020), AWGS 2019, J Am Med Dir Assoc 21(3):300-307.
Book a strength and mobility assessment →Read: preventing and reversing sarcopenia
A guide screen only, not a medical diagnosis. SARC-F can miss early cases. Discuss with your doctor if you are concerned.
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Open →FAQs
What is the SARC-F questionnaire?
SARC-F is a five-item screening questionnaire covering Strength, Assistance walking, Rising from a chair, Climbing stairs and Falls. Each item scores 0 to 2, giving a total of 0 to 10. A score of 4 or more suggests a risk of sarcopenia (Malmstrom and Morley, 2013, J Am Med Dir Assoc 14(8):531-2).
What grip strength counts as low?
The Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 consensus defines low muscle strength as handgrip below 28 kg in men and below 18 kg in women (Chen et al., 2020, J Am Med Dir Assoc 21(3):300-307). Use a hand dynamometer, and treat a home estimate as rough.
Does a high score mean I have sarcopenia?
No. SARC-F is a screen, so a score of 4 or more means further assessment is worthwhile, such as grip strength, muscle mass and walking speed with a doctor or physiotherapist. A low score does not rule it out, as the questionnaire misses some early cases.
What should I do if I screen positive?
Start progressive resistance training two to three days a week, make sure you eat enough protein, and book an assessment. Strength training is the best-supported way to improve muscle strength at any age.
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