objectives

Frailty indicates a state of a decrease in muscle, a decline in muscular strength, a slowdown in gait, and a feeling of fatigue even from mild activities. These symptoms may result in a fall, a bone fracture and other difficulties in physical movement. It is estimated that some 9% of elderly people in Korea are in a state of frailty, and 50% of elderly people are in a stage that precedes frailty. This condition becomes increasingly common with aging. In KFACS study, a cohort study would be conducted to track participants over a long period of time to identify and analyze causes and impacts of frailty, and an intervention study would be conducted at the same time to identify what kind of nutritional regimen and physical exercise could be effective for battling frailty.

1. KFACS study

   A total of 3,000 elderly people aged 70 to 84 would be selected from 10 medical facilities across the country, and their physical conditions would be tracked over two years. Participants will undergo the following procedure.

   • 1) Biannual free check-up with blood test (on 40 items including liver, kidney, calcium, anemia, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin, insulin, hepatitis B, cholesterol, inflammation, thyroid, adrenal hormone, male hormone, growth hormone, muscle regulating hormone) and urine examination. For a blood test, 27ml of blood will be drawn, about 1/8 of a paper cup (200ml).
   • 2) Biannual free check-up on chest X-ray, teeth X-ray, body DEXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) for muscle amount, and ECG
   • 3) An evaluation of various health indicators and a survey on dietary regimen and nutritional supply
   • 4) Newsletters and information on various lectures and seminars
2. An intervention study on frailty

   A clinical test will be conducted on what kind of nutritional supply and physical exercise could be helpful to preventing and managing frailty. The test will be conducted at Hanyang University and Dong-A University under supervision of Dr. Hak-Chul Chang of Seoul National University Bundang Hospital.

We expect to identify causes and solutions to elderly people’s frailty through these studies, and find ways to improve their health condition.