Resistance Exercise Effect on Physical Performance and Functional Status in Sarcopenic Older Women

Resistance Exercise Effect on Physical Performance and Functional Status in Sarcopenic Older Women

Aging is characterized by a progressive loss of multiple physical and cognitive abilities. From these changes, the most important one is the loss of muscle mass, which has been called "sarcopenia". Resistance exercise is a therapeutic approach for sarcopenia, nevertheless there is no universal consensus. Therefore, this research is interested in determining the effect of a resistance exercise program on physical performance and/or functional status in sarcopenic older women. The main study hypothesis is that a program of resistance exercise will improve physical performance and functional status in sarcopenic older women compared against general recommendations.

This is a single-blind, controlled clinical trial, including women> 70 years, living in the community with sarcopenia. Those who agree to participate, will be randomly assigned to one of the following groups:

1. Resistance Exercise Group
2. General Recommendations Group (control) The study will last 24 weeks, with 4 measurements performed at baseline, week 6, 12 and 24. Multilevel models (random effects) will be constructed for the comparison between the two groups. Tests will be conducted with a P=0.05 and confidence intervals at 95%. This protocol has been approved by the local ethics committee.

Study withdrawn.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Body mass composition by BIA with skeletal muscle mass <6.76kg/m2
• Speed gait of <0.8m/sec
• Handgrip strength (adjusted for BMI) less than 20kg

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current diagnosis of malnutrition (BMI <19kg/m2)
• Decompensated heart failure (NYHA III or IV)
• Hemiplegia or hemiparesis due to cerebral vascular disease
• Exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Dementia (any type, moderate or severe stage)
• Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (glycosylated hemoglobin >8%)
• Severe pain in hips, knees or ankles
• Fracture of lower limb in the last 6 months
• Myocardial infarction within the past 6 months
• Severe hypertension (SBP > 180mmHg or DBP > 110 mmHg)
• Orthostatic hypotension