Global Online Search Interest in Sarcopenia: A Google Trends Analysis

INTRODUCTION: Online search engines have increasingly become important tools for accessing health-related information. This study aimed to evaluate global public interest in sarcopenia over the past decade using Google Trends (GT).
METHODS: Ten sarcopenia-related terms commonly used in physical medicine and rehabilitation – elderly, muscle mass, muscle quality, muscle strength, physical performance, sarcopenia, aging, body composition, muscle, and disability – were analyzed using GT. Searches were conducted in English with the “All categories,” “Web search,” and “Worldwide” filters applied. The 10-year study period (September 7, 2015–September 8, 2025) was divided into two consecutive 5-year periods. Relative search volumes for each term were compared between these periods.
RESULTS: Search interest in all ten terms increased significantly during the second 5-year period (p<0.001). These findings demonstrate increasing global search interest in sarcopenia and a broader set of related concepts associated with muscle health, aging, and physical function, potentially reflecting changes in online health information-seeking behavior.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Global online interest in sarcopenia and related terms has increased substantially in recent years. Developing evidence-based online educational content that incorporates frequently searched terms may facilitate access to reliable health information and support efforts aimed at the prevention and early recognition of sarcopenia.

Keywords: Aging, Google trends, muscle mass, muscle strength, sarcopenia.