Current Practice of Assessing and Monitoring Muscle Strength, Muscle Mass and Muscle Function during Nutritional Care by Dietitians in Switzerland—An Online Survey

Uhlmann, Katja; Schaller, Fabienne; Lehmann, Undine (2022). Current Practice of Assessing and Monitoring Muscle Strength, Muscle Mass and Muscle Function during Nutritional Care by Dietitians in Switzerland—An Online Survey Nutrients, 14(9), p. 1741. MDPI 10.3390/nu14091741

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Muscle parameters are recommended as diagnostic criteria for malnutrition and sarcopenia in various guidelines. However, little is known about the application of muscle parameters in daily practice of nutritional care. The aim of this study was to investigate the current practice of the application of muscle parameters, along with its promoting factors and barriers by dietitians in Switzerland. A 29-item literature-based online survey was developed and distributed via the Swiss professional association of dietitians. The data were analyzed descriptively, and relationships between demographic data and usage were examined. Dietitians (n = 117) from all three language regions completed the survey and were included in the analysis. Musculature was classified as important for the assessment of nutritional status. Body weight (89.7%), handgrip strength (87.2%), bioimpedance analysis (BIA) (87.1%) and Body Mass Index (66.7%) were considered as most significant for evaluation of nutritional status. Seventy-point nine percent (70.9%) of dietitians include at least one muscle parameter in their assessment; BIA was the parameter most often included (73.5%). However, the frequency of use of muscle parameter in daily practice was rather low. Only 23.1% applied BIA on a weekly basis. Lack of knowledge (78.6%), practical experience (71.8%) and lack of equipment (77.8%) were most frequently stated as barriers for usage. The general application of muscle parameters in nutritional care is still lacking. There is an opportunity to further strengthen diagnosis and patient monitoring via a stronger application of muscle parameters in daily practice. Practical training and education could help promote their application.

Item Type:	Journal Article (Original Article)
Division/Institute:	School of Health Professions School of Health Professions > Nutrition and Dietetics
Name:	Uhlmann, Katja; Schaller, Fabienne and Lehmann, Undine0000-0001-8104-0490
ISSN:	2072-6643
Publisher:	MDPI
Projects:	[UNSPECIFIED] ERB und Muskel
Language:	English
Submitter:	Undine Lehmann
Date Deposited:	14 Dec 2022 14:09
Last Modified:	14 Dec 2022 14:09
Publisher DOI:	10.3390/nu14091741
Uncontrolled Keywords:	muscle mass; muscle strength; muscle function; dietitian; malnutrition; sarcopenia; survey; nutritional assessment; nutrition-focused physical exam
ARBOR DOI:	10.24451/arbor.18408
URI:	https://arbor.bfh.ch/id/eprint/18408