Beneficial effects of walking-based home program for improving cardio-respiratory performance and physical activity in sarcopenic older people: a randomized controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether a pedometer-based walking program combined with resistance exercise could improve physical performance and activity in older adults with sarcopenia.
Results Summary
The intervention group showed significant improvements in inspiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, physical activity, muscle strength, and physical performance after 12 weeks, while the control group did not. The program was effective in enhancing cardio-respiratory performance and physical activity.
Population
Older Thai individuals (aged ≥60 years) with sarcopenia.
Effective Dosage
7,500 steps/day for 5 days/week plus TheraBand resistance exercise twice a week.
Duration
12 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
pedometer-based walking program plus TheraBand resistance exercise | increase | inspiratory muscle strength | older individuals with sarcopenia | - | increased | #1 |
pedometer-based walking program plus TheraBand resistance exercise | increase | functional capacity | older individuals with sarcopenia | - | increased | #2 |
pedometer-based walking program plus TheraBand resistance exercise | increase | PA | older individuals with sarcopenia | - | increased | #3 |
pedometer-based walking program plus TheraBand resistance exercise | increase | muscle strength | older individuals with sarcopenia | - | improved | #4 |
pedometer-based walking program plus TheraBand resistance exercise | increase | physical performance | older individuals with sarcopenia | - | improved | #5 |
pedometer-based walking program plus TheraBand resistance exercise | increase | cardio-respiratory performance | older Thai individuals with sarcopenia | - | could improve | #6 |
pedometer-based walking program plus TheraBand resistance exercise | increase | PA | older Thai individuals with sarcopenia | - | could improve | #7 |
Increasing the number of steps walked per day | decrease | risk of developing sarcopenia | older people | - | may reduce | #8 |
Improving physical activity (PA) | decrease | risk of sarcopenia | - | - | associated with a reduced | #9 |
BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is an age-related loss of muscle mass, decline in physical performance, and/or loss of muscle strength. Improving physical activity (PA) is associated with a reduced risk of sarcopenia. Additionally, the World Health Organization 2020 guidelines recommend 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes/week of vigorous PA plus resistance exercise twice a week. An increase in walking steps/day also enhances PA. AIM: The study explored the benefits of a pedometer-based walking program plus a resistance exercise program in older adults with sarcopenia. DESIGN: A randomized control trial. SETTING: In community dwelling. POPULATION: Older individuals with sarcopenia. METHODS: Screening for sarcopenia was defined according to the Asian Working Group of Sarcopenia criteria in 2019, which is composed of the skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), muscle strength, and physical performance. Bioimpedance analysis, handgrip strength, and gait speed were measured for the SMI, muscle strength, and physical performance, respectively. to explore the effectiveness of a pedometer-based walking program plus TheraBand resistance exercise over 12 weeks. The intervention group was required to wear a pedometer and walk 7 500 steps/day for 5 days/week and perform the TheraBand resistance exercise twice a week, while the control group continued their routine daily activities. Respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity (i.e., 6-minute walk test), and PA were assessed before and after the 12-week program. To evaluate the benefits of the home-based walking program plus resistance exercise, two-way mixed ANOVAs were performed. RESULTS: Sixty older individuals with sarcopenia aged ≥60 years were enrolled; however, a total of 57 older adults (28 in the invention group and 29 in the control group) completed the study. Inspiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, and PA increased between and within groups after the 12-week program (all P<0.05). Furthermore, muscle strength and physical performance improved in the intervention group after the 12-week program but not in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: A pedometer-based intervention program with TheraBand resistance exercise could improve cardio-respiratory performance and PA among older Thai individuals with sarcopenia. Further study needs to consider type of exercise and dietary supplements. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Increasing the number of steps walked per day may reduce the risk of developing sarcopenia in older people.