Table 3: Stages of sarcopenia syndrome, according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP).

Stage Muscle mass Muscle strength Performance
Pre-sarcopenia
Sarcopenia
Severe Sarcopenia

Downward arrows indicate the criteria for the definition of the stages of sarcopenia syndrome, according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP). The 'presarcopenia' stage is characterised by low muscle mass without impact on muscle strength or physical performance. The 'sarcopenia' stage is characterised by low muscle mass, plus low muscle strength. 'Severe sarcopenia' is the stage identified when all three criteria of the definition are met (low muscle mass, low muscle strength and low physical performance).