Preliminary study on nutritional and exercise strategies to prevent and reverse sarcopenia in aging: an open-label single-arm trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sarcopenia is the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength that can adversely affect an individual's health and quality of life. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a combined nutritional and exercise intervention among older adults who were at risk of sarcopenia. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: 46 older adults were included in a 30±3 days intervention that combined oral nutritional supplements with resistance exercise. Parameters were measured at baseline (day 0) and after intervention (day 30±3), including routine parameters of sarcopenia, blood tests, and body measurements. The ITT analysis method was used, and the data were analysed using paired t-tests/paired Wilcoxon test, and ANOVA. RESULTS: Among the 46 participants, there were no significant changes in hip circumference (HC), muscle mass of both lower limbs, appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), and hemoglobin (Hb) after intervention. However, both hand grip strength (GS) significantly increased, as did muscle mass of both upper limbs and the total muscle strength. Blood tests showed a slight increase in albumin (ALB) levels and a significant increase in 25-OH-D levels, while the waist (WC) and calf circumferences (CC) also increased significantly after intervention. Somatic motor performance improved significantly in the 6-meter walk and 5 sit-ups tests. CONCLUSIONS: The combined nutritional and exercise intervention was feasible and effective in improving muscle mass and strength, especially in the upper limbs, as well as somatic motor performance among older adults at risk of sarcopenia. It could be beneficial among three stages of sarcopenia.