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"We want more": perspectives of sarcopenic older women on the feasibility of high-intensity progressive resistance exercises and a whey-protein nutrition intervention.

Frontiers in nutrition
May 5, 2023
Reena K Vijayakumaran et al. (3 authors)
Journal ArticleHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to investigate the perceptions, barriers, and effects of whey-protein supplementation combined with resistance training in sarcopenic older adults.

Results Summary

The study found no significant between-group differences but noted within-group improvements in muscle strength, nutrition scores, and physical performance. Participants reported no adverse effects from whey protein and expressed positive experiences, though no added benefits were seen with supplementation compared to resistance training alone.

Population

Sarcopenic older adults (primarily Malay women).

Effective Dosage

Daily weekday milk-based whey-protein supplementation (exact amount not specified).

Duration

12 weeks.

Interactions

None mentioned.

Extracted Claims (10)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
high-intensity progressive resistance training (PRT)
decrease
sarcopenia
sarcopenic older adults
-
may support reduced risks of
#1
PRT with a multi-nutrient, whey-protein supplementation (PRT+WP)
no change
-
sarcopenic older adults
-
No added benefits were seen with the addition of
#2
PRT with a multi-nutrient, whey-protein supplementation (PRT+WP)
increase
handgrip strength
sarcopenic older adults
5.0 kg
significant within-group improvements were detected for
#3
high-intensity progressive resistance training (PRT)
increase
handgrip strength
sarcopenic older adults
6.1 kg
significant within-group improvements were detected for
#4
high-intensity progressive resistance training (PRT)
decrease
5-times sit-to-stand time
sarcopenic older adults
2.0 s
significant within-group improvements were detected for
#5
PRT with a multi-nutrient, whey-protein supplementation (PRT+WP)
increase
nutrition score
sarcopenic older adults
3.44
significant within-group improvements were detected for
#6
high-intensity progressive resistance training (PRT)
increase
nutrition score
sarcopenic older adults
1.80
significant within-group improvements were detected for
#7
PRT with a multi-nutrient, whey-protein supplementation (PRT+WP)
decrease
stair ascent time
sarcopenic older adults
0.97 s
significant within-group improvements were detected for
#8
high-intensity progressive resistance training (PRT)
decrease
stair ascent time
sarcopenic older adults
0.75 s
significant within-group improvements were detected for
#9
milk-based WP supplements
no change
-
sarcopenic older adults
-
zero adverse effects of
#10
Abstract

This qualitative study is nested within a 12-week pilot randomized-controlled, two-arm trial involving high-intensity progressive resistance training (PRT) or PRT with a multi-nutrient, whey-protein supplementation (PRT+WP) in sarcopenic older adults (trial registration no: TCTR20230703001). The aim was to investigate sarcopenic participants' perceptions and barriers to this multi-modal intervention strategy that may accelerate "real-world" implementation. Eighteen older adults (one man) with possible sarcopenia were invited to join the study, of whom 16 women were randomized to a thrice-weekly PRT (n = 8) program (80% of 1-repetitive maximum, six resistance band exercises) only or PRT plus daily weekday milk-based WP supplementation (PRT+WP, n = 8). Muscle strength (handgrip and 5-times sit-to-stand), mass (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), performance (Short Physical Performance Battery and stair ascent-descent), and nutrition status (Mini Nutritional Assessment) were assessed for changes. We randomly selected eight women for the semi-structured interview. Post-intervention, eight (50%) women were sarcopenia-free, six (38%) remained in possible sarcopenia, one (6%) improved to sarcopenia, and one (6%) deteriorated from possible to severe sarcopenia. There were no significant between-group differences, but significant within-group improvements (p < 0.05) were detected for handgrip strength (PRT+WP 5.0 kg, d = 0.93; PRT 6.1 kg, d = 0.55), 5-times sit-to-stand time (PRT 2.0 s, d = 1.04), nutrition score (PRT+WP 3.44, d = 0.52; PRT 1.80, d = 0.44), and stair ascent time (PRT+WP 0.97 s, d = 0.77; PRT 0.75 s, d = 0.97). Our thematic analyses identified four main themes, namely, (1) perceived benefits, (2) sustaining behavior changes, (3) challenges in participating, and (4) improved wellbeing. Participants expressed how they initially were skeptical and doubted that they could complete the exercises or tolerate the milk-based WP supplements. However, they reported positive experiences and benefits felt from strength gains, increased confidence, and better physical abilities. Participants were surprised by the zero adverse effects of WP supplements. The women wanted more nutritional information and structured, guided exercise programs and suggested a community-based implementation. In conclusion, our findings showed PRT was well received and may support reduced risks of sarcopenia. No added benefits were seen with the addition of WP supplementation, but a larger sample is required to address this question. Overall, older (previously sarcopenic) Malay women indicated that they want more multi-modal programs embedded in their community.

Study Links
Quality Scores
Safety90
Efficacy60/10
Quality75/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations2
Citations/Year1.0
Relative Citation Ratio0.73
NIH Percentile39.1%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.25
Weight Score2.43
Normalized Score0.75
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