Original Article

Effects of an Oral Nutritional Supplementation and Physical Exercise Intervention on Older Adults at Risk for Sarcopenia

Thiago J.M. Gonçalves¹, Bruna T. Carlos¹, Mayara S. de Souza¹, Valeria C. Jorge², Sandra E.A.B. Gonçalves¹, Rafaela A. Campos³, Valeria A.S. Rosenfeld³

1. Nutrology and Clinical Nutrition, Sancta Maggiore Hospital, Prevent Senior Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
2. Geriatric Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation Center, Prevent Senior Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
3. Nestlé Health Science, São Paulo, Brazil

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Keywords: Nutritional supplementation, Older adults, Rehabilitation, Resistance exercise, Sarcopenia

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Abstract

Objectives: Sarcopenia is a skeletal muscle mass (SMM) disease characterized by loss of strength with generalized loss of SMM. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of a 12-week intervention on SMM, strength, and functionally in older adults. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of an intervention protocol with older adults at risk of sarcopenia who performed a daily intake of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) and resistance training exercise (RET), 3 times a week. Calf circumference (CC), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), handgrip strength (HGS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) were performed at baseline and at 12 weeks. Results: Fifty-one older adults were included. The mean age was 76.3 ± 8.3 years and 68.6% were women. After 12 weeks, the study showed an increase of CC in cm (1.9 ± 2.5, p < 0.001), increase of strength in kg (5.4 ± 2.1, p < 0.001), reduction of TUG in seconds (-2.4 ± 4.8, p = 0.001), increase of free-fat mass in kg (1.0 ± 1.3, p < 0.001) and SMM in kg (0.9 ± 0.5, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Nutritional intervention with ONS associated with RET, can increase muscle strength, SMM and functionality among older adults at risk for sarcopenia.

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