Geriatrics
Prevention
General medicine
The SARC-F is a brief self-administered questionnaire developed to identify individuals likely to have sarcopenia, which is a pathological reduction in muscle strength and function. It does not diagnose sarcopenia: a positive result leads to further evaluation according to the guidelines used.
Number of questions
5 items
Approximate duration
1 to 2 minutes
Population
Elderly people
Modality
patient self-questionnaire
QuestionnaireSARC-F
SELF-QUESTIONNAIRE
For the first four dimensions: 0 = no difficulty; 1 = moderate difficulty; 2 = significant difficulty/inability or need for help. Falls in the past year: none = 0; 1 to 3 = 1; 4 or more = 2.
Are you patient?
Yes: this questionnaire is designed to capture your own perception of the difficulties. A positive result should then be discussed with a professional.
Terms of contract
The SARC-F is completed by the individual themselves in 1 to 2 minutes, or read aloud by a caregiver if needed, requiring no specific training. Falls are recorded over the past year; use the validated French version without altering the wording or scoring, and follow up any positive result with an assessment of muscle strength and mass. Sarcopenia risk screening tool: follow up with an assessment of muscle strength, muscle mass or quality, and, according to guidelines, physical performance.
Score interpretationSARC-F
Sum of the points for the 5 items, each scored from 0 to 2; total score from 0 to 10.
Total score
First reading
0
to
3
Negative screening according to the standard threshold.
4
to
10
Increased risk / positive screening.
0–3: negative screening; ≥ 4: increased risk / positive screening.
The SARC-F prioritises simplicity and specificity; it may miss some patients at an early stage.
Frequently asked questions
Does the SARC-F diagnose sarcopenia?
Why is the threshold set to 4?
What are its limitations?
Sources and references
Malmstrom TK, Morley JE
Malmstrom TK, Morley JE, J Am Med Dir Assoc, 2013
In practice
Full name
Strength, Assistance with walking, Rise from a chair, Climb stairs, Falls
Method
patient self-questionnaire
Language
French (validated version)
Authors
Malmstrom TK, Morley JE
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