Four-Step Co-Designing of the Reablement Strategies Targeting Sarcopenia (ReStart-S): An Exercise-Based Multicomponent Program for Older Adults Residing in Long-Term Care Settings

Background: The prevalence of sarcopenia is concerningly high in long-term care settings (LTCS); yet, no exercise programs specifically targeting older adults living in residential care are available. Objective: The goal of the present study was to co-design and validate a program named Reablement Strategies targeting Sarcopenia (ReStart-S) for older long-term care residents. Design: Cross-sectional study with an exploratory phase. Settings: LTCS in Udupi, Karnataka, India. Participants: Sarcopenic older adults diagnosed using Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. Material and Methods: The program was designed using a four-step intervention mapping technique involving systematic progression after completing each step. The steps included 1) identifying the appropriate exercise-based intervention for sarcopenia, 2) determining objectives and expected outcomes, 3) seeking expert views through a Delphi consensus approach, and 4) assessing the feasibility of ReStart-S program among older adults living in LTCS. Results: A comprehensive literature review appraised existing exercise programs for managing sarcopenia. A workshop held with six older adults and one caretaker, decided on morning exercise sessions, recommended 2–7 days/week. The results of the review and workshop were compiled for the Delphi process that had seven experts from 5 countries, achieving a 71% response rate after four rounds. In the last step, a pilot study on eight LTCS residents, two males and six females with a mean age of 78.3 ± 8.3 years, was conducted and the program was found to be feasible. Conclusion: The ReStart-S program for managing sarcopenia among older adults residing in LTCS incorporates evidence from the literature and the engagement of older adults, caregivers, and experts, making it a contextually appropriate intervention. Our study also provides researchers and healthcare professionals insight into co-designing an intervention program for vulnerable older adults. Finally, the program evaluation indicates that a full-scale trial testing the efficacy of the ReStart-S program is feasible.