Effect of non-pharmacological interventions on the prevention of sarcopenia in menopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions, including resistance training, for sarcopenia prevention in menopausal women aged 40-60.
Results Summary
Resistance training had a small effect on lean body mass, with longer duration (>12 weeks) and higher frequency (60-90 min, 3 sessions/week) showing small to moderate effects. Exercise improved muscle mass and strength, particularly handgrip and knee extension strength.
Population
Menopausal women aged 40-60.
Effective Dosage
3 sessions per week, lasting 20-90 min.
Duration
At least 6 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
exercise | increase | lean body mass | menopausal women | SMD = 0.232, 95% CI: 0.097, 0.366 | improved | #1 |
exercise | increase | handgrip strength | menopausal women | SMD = 0.901, 95% CI: 0.362, 1.441 | improved | #2 |
exercise | increase | knee extension strength | menopausal women | SMD = 0.698, 95% CI: 0.384, 1.013 | improved | #3 |
resistance training | increase | lean body mass | menopausal women | small effect | had a small effect on | #4 |
longer exercise duration (> 12 weeks) and higher frequency (60-90 min, 3 sessions/week) | increase | lean body mass | menopausal women | small to moderate effects | showed small to moderate effects on | #5 |
Vitamin D supplementation | increase | handgrip strength | menopausal women | SMD = 0.303, 95% CI: 0.130, 0.476 | improved | #6 |
Vitamin D supplementation | no change | knee extension strength | menopausal women | - | not improved | #7 |
protein supplementation | neutral | muscle strength | menopausal women | - | insufficient data to assess the impact of | #8 |
Resistance training with 3 sessions per week, lasting 20-90 min for at least 6 weeks | neutral | - | menopausal women | - | is most effective | #9 |
Vitamin D supplementation | increase | small muscle group strength | menopausal women | - | enhances | #10 |
BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is a chronic disease marked by gradual muscle system and functional decline. Prior research indicates its prevalence in those under 60 varies from 8 to 36%. There is limited evidence on the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for sarcopenia prevention in menopausal women aged 40-60. This study examines the influence of such interventions for sarcopenia prevention on these women. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PEDro, and Airiti Library were searched from inception until May 5, 2023. Randomized controlled trials that examined exercise, vitamin D and protein supplementation effects on muscle mass, strength, and physical function. Quality assessment used the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and analysis employed Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2.0. RESULTS: A total of 27 randomized controlled trials, involving 1,989 participants were identified. Meta-analysis results showed exercise improved lean body mass (SMD = 0.232, 95% CI: 0.097, 0.366), handgrip strength (SMD = 0.901, 95% CI: 0.362, 1.441), knee extension strength (SMD = 0.698, 95% CI: 0.384, 1.013). Resistance training had a small effect on lean body mass, longer exercise duration (> 12 weeks) and higher frequency (60-90 min, 3 sessions/week) showed small to moderate effects on lean body mass. Vitamin D supplementation improved handgrip strength (SMD = 0.303, 95% CI: 0.130, 0.476), but not knee extension strength. There was insufficient data to assess the impact of protein supplementation on muscle strength. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise effectively improves muscle mass, and strength in menopausal women. Resistance training with 3 sessions per week, lasting 20-90 min for at least 6 weeks, is most effective. Vitamin D supplementation enhances small muscle group strength. Further trials are needed to assess the effects of vitamin D and protein supplementation on sarcopenia prevention. REGISTRATION NUMBER: This review was registered on PROSPERO CRD42022329273.