Rationale: To evaluate the effects of strength and balance exercise combined with β-hydroxymethyl butyrate (β-HMB) on muscle strength and mass and physical performance during 12-weeks in older adults with sarcopenia.

Methods: Design: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with 2 parallel groups during 12-weeks.

Patients ≥60 years old, without cognitive impairment, with a diagnosis of sarcopenia, were randomized into the intervention group (exercise + β-HMB 3g/day) and control group (exercise + placebo). Outcome variables: maximum isometric contraction of the hand flexors (handgrip), muscle mass estimated with bio-electrical impedance, and physical performance assessed with the short battery of physical performance (SPPB). Statistical tests: t-Student, for independent (inter-group) and paired (intra-group) samples, p≤0.05.

Results: Thirty-two patients were enrolled (mean age 81.6 years [SD 9.3]; 75% female). Intra-group analysis showed significant improvement in the 3-SPPB test (0.4 points 95%CI 0.51 to 0.79) and SPPB-total (1.1 points; 95%CI 0.02 to 2.09) in the intervention group. Intergroup analysis evidenced significant improvements in test-1-SPPB (0.82 points CI95% -1.9 to -0.3), test-3-SPPB (0.64 points CI95% -1.4 to -0.1) and SPPB-total (1.82 points CI95% -3.6 to -0.1) for the intervention group. A significant increase in handgrip (2.76 kg; 95%CI 0.44 to 5.09) was observed in both groups.

Conclusion: Resistance and balance exercise increases muscle strength and physical performance in older adults with sarcopenia after a recent hospitalization, obtaining better results when supplemented with β-HMB.

Title

Clinical Nutrition ESPEN

Publisher

Elsevier Ltd

Publisher Country

United Kingdom

Indexing

Scopus

Impact Factor

3.01

Publication Type

Both (Printed and Online)

Volume

54

Year

2023

Pages

683 - 684