Feasibility and Effects on Muscle Function of an Exercise Program for Older Adults.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine the feasibility and compliance of a 3-month exercise intervention in older adults and assess whether muscle mass and function changes could be detected using specific measures.
Results Summary
Both walking-only and walking combined with strength/balance exercises improved lean mass and reduced fat percentage. The combined exercise group showed greater improvements in jump force efficiency and power compared to walking alone.
Population
Adults aged 70 years or older.
Effective Dosage
Not specified (walking combined with balance/strength exercises, frequency not detailed).
Duration
3 months.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
walking-only (WALK) | increase | lean mass | individuals 70 yr or older | - | increased | #1 |
walking-only (WALK) | decrease | fat mass | individuals 70 yr or older | - | lost | #2 |
walking-only (WALK) | decrease | fat percentage | individuals 70 yr or older | - | decreases | #3 |
walking-only (WALK) | decrease | intramuscular adipose tissue area | individuals 70 yr or older | - | decreased | #4 |
walking-only (WALK) | increase | muscle density | individuals 70 yr or older | - | increased | #5 |
walking combined with exercises to improve balance and strength (W + EX) | increase | lean mass | individuals 70 yr or older | - | increased | #6 |
walking combined with exercises to improve balance and strength (W + EX) | decrease | fat mass | individuals 70 yr or older | - | lost | #7 |
walking combined with exercises to improve balance and strength (W + EX) | decrease | fat percentage | individuals 70 yr or older | - | decreases | #8 |
walking combined with exercises to improve balance and strength (W + EX) | increase | force efficiency | individuals 70 yr or older | 5.9% ± 1.8% vs -1.2% ± 2.0% | greater improvement | #9 |
walking combined with exercises to improve balance and strength (W + EX) | increase | chair-rise power | individuals 70 yr or older | 0.25 ± 0.19 W·kg and -0.37 ± 0.23 W·kg | greater improvement | #10 |
INTRODUCTION: Study objective was to determine feasibility and compliance with a 3-month exercise intervention in older adults, and if peripheral quantitative computed tomography muscle measures and jumping mechanography could detect changes in muscle mass and function. METHODS: A parallel group, nonblinded, pilot trial with individuals 70 yr or older randomized to control group of walking-only (WALK) or an intervention group of walking combined with exercises to improve balance and strength (W + EX). Both groups attended similar weekly nutrition education sessions. Body composition, muscle density, intramuscular adipose tissue area, and muscle function were assessed before and after the intervention using dual-energy x-ray, peripheral quantitative computed tomography, functional tests, and mechanography. RESULTS: Eighty-five (90%) of 94 individuals enrolled completed (41WALK, 44W + EX). Eighty-six percent of participants attended seven or more nutrition sessions, and log sheets, used to assess exercise compliance, were returned by 66% of participants, and of those, 88% logged activity on 50%+ days. Sixty-seven percent of participants stated that they increased activity levels, and 82% stated that they felt better overall. Both groups increased lean and lost fat mass, resulting in decreases in fat percentage (all, P < 0.05). Intramuscular adipose tissue area decreased and muscle density increased among WALK (P < 0.05 and P = 0.056, respectively) but were not different between groups. Improvement in force efficiency and chair-rise power were greater among W + EX group than WALK (5.9% ± 1.8% vs -1.2% ± 2.0% [P = 0.01] and 0.25 ± 0.19 W·kg and -0.37 ± 0.23 W·kg [P = 0.04], respectively). Differences in mechanography results became greater in a per-protocol analysis. CONCLUSIONS: A larger trial is feasible, and the program was well accepted. Both groups showed improvements, the program that included strength and balance lead to greater jump force efficiency and power than walking only. Whether these differences lead to differences in fall rates need to be determined in a larger trial.