The effectiveness of an information-motivation-behavioral skills model based sarcopenia prevention program for older adults: A quasi-experimental study

Background Sarcopenia is a critical health issue among older adults and is characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of a sarcopenia prevention program based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral skill (IMB) model for older adults. Methods This quasi-experimental study was conducted with 50 older adults from senior welfare centers in Daegu, Korea. Participants were divided into experimental (n=25) and control (n=25) groups. The intervention program consisted of 12 sessions over 6 weeks. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 28.0 and R version 4.0.3. Results The experimental group showed significant improvements in physical performance (OR 2.37, 95% CI=1.42–107.74, p=.002) and sarcopenia-related quality of life (t=8.02, p<.001). However, no significant differences were observed in muscle mass or strength between groups. Conclusions The IMB model-based program effectively improved physical performance and quality of life in older adults and can be recommended as a nursing intervention for sarcopenia prevention.