Netzer Roy, Levi Netanel, Ganchrow Kayla, Naan Yfat, Elboim-Gabyzon Michal
Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel.
Department of Physical Therapy, Shoham Medical Center, Pardes Hanna-Karkur 3701001, Israel.
Nutrients. 2025 Jan 14;17(2):281. doi: 10.3390/nu17020281.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Malnutrition and sarcopenia are interrelated health concerns among the elderly. Each condition is associated with increased mortality, morbidity, rehospitalization rates, longer hospital stays, higher healthcare costs, and reduced quality of life. Their combination leads to the development of "Malnutrition-Sarcopenia Syndrome" (MSS), characterized by reductions in body weight, muscle mass, strength, and physical function. Despite being preventable and reversible through nutritional and physical interventions, the clinical competence of physical therapists (PTs) in managing MSS remains underexplored. This study aims to assess the clinical competency of PTs in MSS management.
An anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to August 2024 among 337 certified PTs in Israel, using the "Qualtrics" platform. The survey assessed prior familiarity with MSS concepts, MSS knowledge levels, screening and treatment skills, attitudes and beliefs toward MSS management, and interprofessional collaboration practices.
While 52% of PTs were familiar with MSS, familiarity with diagnostic guidelines was low (EWGSOP2: 3.6%; GLIM: 0.6%). The MSS knowledge score was moderate, but screening and treatment skills were low. Attitudes toward MSS management were moderately positive, but self-belief in diagnosing and treating MSS was low. Interprofessional collaboration was limited, particularly in malnutrition care. PTs familiar with MSS had higher knowledge, better skills, more positive attitudes and beliefs, and greater interprofessional collaboration.
Significant gaps exist in the clinical competency of Israeli PTs in MSS management. Integrating MSS content into physical therapy curricula and providing continuing professional development are necessary to enhance competencies. Equipping PTs with essential tools, clarifying roles, and promoting interprofessional collaboration can optimize MSS management and improve patient outcomes.
背景/目的：营养不良和肌肉减少症是老年人中相互关联的健康问题。每种情况都与死亡率增加、发病率上升、再住院率、住院时间延长、医疗成本增加以及生活质量下降有关。它们的结合导致了“营养不良-肌肉减少症综合征”（MSS）的发展，其特征是体重、肌肉量、力量和身体功能下降。尽管通过营养和物理干预可以预防和逆转，但物理治疗师（PT）在管理MSS方面的临床能力仍未得到充分探索。本研究旨在评估PT在MSS管理方面的临床能力。
2024年1月至8月，在以色列的337名认证PT中使用“Qualtrics”平台进行了一项匿名横断面调查。该调查评估了对MSS概念的先前熟悉程度、MSS知识水平、筛查和治疗技能、对MSS管理的态度和信念以及跨专业协作实践。
虽然52%的PT熟悉MSS，但对诊断指南的熟悉程度较低（欧洲老年人肌肉减少症工作组2：3.6%；全球营养不良诊断标准：0.6%）。MSS知识得分中等，但筛查和治疗技能较低。对MSS管理的态度适度积极，但对诊断和治疗MSS的自我信念较低。跨专业协作有限，尤其是在营养不良护理方面。熟悉MSS的PT具有更高的知识、更好的技能、更积极的态度和信念以及更强的跨专业协作能力。
以色列PT在MSS管理方面的临床能力存在显著差距。将MSS内容纳入物理治疗课程并提供持续专业发展对于提高能力是必要的。为PT配备必要的工具、明确角色并促进跨专业协作可以优化MSS管理并改善患者结局。
