Effects of a Multicomponent Exercise Program in Physical Function and Muscle Mass in Sarcopenic/Pre-Sarcopenic Adults

• Main Authors: Hyuma Makizako, Yuki Nakai, Kazutoshi Tomioka, Yoshiaki Taniguchi, Nana Sato, Ayumi Wada, Ryoji Kiyama, Kota Tsutsumimoto, Mitsuru Ohishi, Yuto Kiuchi, Takuro Kubozono, Toshihiro Takenaka
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-05-01
• Series: Journal of Clinical Medicine
• Subjects: muscle strength; sarcopenia; resistance training; randomized controlled trial
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/9/5/1386

This study aimed to assess the effects of a multicomponent exercise program on physical function and muscle mass in older adults with sarcopenia or pre-sarcopenia. Moreover, we aim to standardize the exercise program for easy incorporation in the daily life of community-dwelling older adults as a secondary outcome. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted with individuals (≥60 years) who had sarcopenia or pre-sarcopenia (<i>n</i> = 72). Participants were randomly assigned to the exercise and control groups. The exercise program consisted of 12 weekly 60-minute sessions that included resistance, balance, flexibility, and aerobic training. Outcome measures were physical function and muscle mass. Assessments were conducted before and immediately after the intervention.<b> </b>Among the 72 participants (mean age: 75.0 ± 6.9 years; 70.8% women), 67 (93.1%) completed the trial. Group-by-time interactions on the chair stand (<i>p</i> = 0.02) and timed “up and go” (<i>p</i> = 0.01) tests increased significantly in the exercise group. Although the exercise group showed a tendency to prevent loss of muscle mass, no significant interaction effects were observed for cross-sectional muscle area and muscle volume.<b> </b>The 12-week exercise program improved physical function in the intervention group. Although it is unclear whether the program is effective in increasing muscle mass, a multicomponent exercise program would be an effective treatment for physical function among older adults with sarcopenia.