Abstract <p>Sarcopenia is a progressive skeletal muscle disease characterizedby a decrease in muscle mass and strength. Although this conditionmost often develops in elderly people due to a reduction in motor neurons,mitochondrial dysfunction, hormonal changes, and chronic inflammatoryprocesses (primary sarcopenia), sarcopenia can also develop with ageagainst the background of chronic diseases, a sedentary lifestyle,and insufficient nutrition (secondary sarcopenia). Sarcopenia isone of the factors leading to an increased risk of falls, fractures,injuries, and disability among the elderly, which makes the studyof the mechanisms behind this pathological condition highly relevantto society. To study the mechanisms of sarcopenia development andto devise therapeutic strategies to prevent the loss of muscle massand strength, experimental models are widely used. Research employsboth in vivo models using animals (aging animals, denervation, immobilization,exposure to chemical agents) and in vitro approaches (primary culturesand myoblast cell lines). Each of these models replicates certain aspectsof sarcopenia; however, none of them fully reproduces all the characteristicsof the human disease. This review systematizes current experimental approachesto modeling sarcopenia, discusses their advantages, limitations,and prospects for application. A special focus is on molecular andcellular mechanisms underlying sarcopenia development. A comprehensiveassessment of the existing models of sarcopenia is necessary tooptimize further research and to develop effective diagnostic andpreventive methods, hence to reduce disability rates and improvequality of life.</p>