Clariane/Université Paris Cité Scientific Day 2026: improving understanding of sarcopenia to maintain independence
On 6 October 2026, Clariane and Université Paris Cité organised the 4th edition of their Scientific Day at the Faculty of Medicine’s Necker site in Paris. This year’s theme was “Sarcopenia 2030: towards predictive and preventative medicine”, and the meeting brought together researchers, doctors and healthcare professionals around a major issue: better understanding, preventing and managing sarcopenia to help maintain patients’ independence and healthy longevity.
Sarcopenia, a major prevention and health issue
Characterised by a decrease in muscle strength and mass, sarcopenia can lead to impaired physical abilities and promote loss of independence. While it mainly affects the elderly, it can also affect younger adults, especially in cases of physical inactivity or undernutrition.
Throughout the lectures and discussions, the speakers addressed the different dimensions of this muscle disease: epidemiology, assessment of muscle function, nutrition, physical activity and health innovations.
The presentations highlighted the importance of early identification and a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach, combining prevention, assessment and support adapted to each person’s needs.
We cannot talk about sarcopenia without talking about an overarching, holistic approach to patient care and prevention.
Nutrition and physical activity: two essential tools to maintain independence
The role of diet and physical activity in preserving muscle health took centre stage among the main lessons of the day.
An appropriate diet, in particular to prevent undernutrition, and regular physical activity are two complementary tools to preserve muscle mass and strength.
These issues are directly relevant to the professionals at Clariane’s facilities. They work on a daily basis to support those in their care and prevent them losing their independence.
Preventing and managing sarcopenia is thus part of a broader approach to health, aimed at maintaining functional capacities and promoting quality of life, especially among those who are frailest.
Research recognised for its contribution to the improvement of care practices
The 4th Scientific Day also provided an opportunity to highlight the research work carried out by Clariane’s professionals and teams through a number of scientific posters. Two contributions were recognised:
- Denis Arpillière, rehabilitation manager at the Inicea Les Flots clinic, for his poster “Benefits of a knee lift test in the targeting of sarcopenia screening”. This study of 63 elderly patients explores the value of a simple one-minute knee-lift test, combined with a muscle strength measurement, to better identify patients in need of thorough sarcopenia screening.
- Fatoumata Coulibaly, from Clariane’s Health Strategy and Innovation Department, for her poster “Prescription of physical activity in psychiatry: a French national survey”. This survey of 377 psychiatric doctors reveals a discrepancy between the recognition of the benefits of physical activity in mental health and its integration into clinical practices. While 93% of respondents recognise its preventative effect on depression, only 12% report prescribing it systematically.
This work illustrates the commitment of Clariane’s teams to applied research designed to improve care practices.
Through the 4th edition of this event organised with Université Paris Cité, Clariane reaffirms one of its ambitions: to link scientific research and field practices for better prevention, better care and more lasting independence for the people it supports.
