Our
GeriLABS study was initiated in 2013 when sarcopenia and muscle health research was still nascent in Singapore. Titled “Longitudinal
Assessment of
Biomarkers for characterisation of early
Sarcopenia and predicting frailty and functional decline in community-dwelling Asian older adults”, GeriLABS aimed to develop a clinical/biomarker phenotype for the prediction of frailty and functional decline in community-dwelling older adults.
We recruited older participants from the community to undergo a series of clinical and physical assessments, imaging scans and blood tests over a span of 5 years. This first phase successfully concluded in 2018, with appreciation forums organised to thank participants and community partners for their trust and time and for journeying with us.
Building on our GeriLABS momentum and findings in sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity, we embarked on our second wave
GeriLABS-2 in December 2017, studying the interplay of bones, muscles and fats (osteosarcopenic obesity).
We are excited to have pushed the frontiers of knowledge and contribute to developments in sarcopenia and frailty, alongside esteemed regional and international colleagues. Selected findings from our GeriLABS 1 and 2 studies have been incorporated into the
2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia updates. Considered to be the most impactful in terms of relevance for practice and policy in post-acute and long-term care, this publication was conferred the JAMDA 2020 Morley Award.
GeriLABS-2 was also one of the recipients of the
NHG Research Impact Award 2021. This affirmation encapsulated the trust of our participants and funder, dedication of numerous partners, commitment of our translation to clinical care and impact in the area of muscle health.
Find out more about our study team and accolades below: