Comment on “Acute Sarcopenia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Its Incidence and Muscle Parameter Shifts During Hospitalisation” by Aldrich et al.

Abstract

We are writing to address a misrepresentation of our study, Silva et al. [1], in the recently published article titled ‘Acute Sarcopenia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Its Incidence and Muscle Parameter Shifts During Hospitalisation’ [2]. Specifically, the authors state on page 11 that Silva et al. [1] did not measure knee extension strength. This statement is incorrect.

In our study, knee extension strength was assessed using a dynamometer to measure peak force evoked by neuromuscular electrical stimulation. This methodology was a fundamental part of our research design and is thoroughly detailed in the published manuscript [1] as well as in other related manuscripts [3, 4]. Please refer to Figure 1 and method section below described.

Methods section from Silva et al. 2019 [1].

Additionally, we would like to clarify a discrepancy regarding the sample size reported for our study. The correct sample size was 60 participants (Figure 2), not 30 as might be inferred from the tables and figures in our manuscript, specifically Figures 1 and 2.

It appears that the authors may have considered only the control group, but this is not explicitly stated. It is important for readers to have accurate information about the study design and sample size to properly interpret the findings.

We kindly request that these inaccuracies be addressed to ensure the integrity of the scientific record and to prevent potential misinterpretations by readers and researchers relying on this review.

The authors have nothing to report.

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.