Impact on Functional Status in Older Adults Treated With L-Carnitine

Impact on Functional Status in Older Adults Treated With L-Carnitine

This study evaluates the impact of the treatment with L-Carnitine on the function of adults over 65 years, in conjunction with regular exercise. Simple randomization will be performed, distributing patients in 3 treatment groups, with L-Carnitine or Placebo, and with physical exercise at home or supervised.

The supplemental intake of L-carnitine improves the physical functioning of the pre-fragile and fragile elder of the community.

Circulating L-carnitine levels increase after administration of the supplement. The impact on the function of L-carnitine in combination with physical exercise will be studied in a population of older adults in Montevideo.

The sample will be divided into 3 groups, according to the intervention:

Group 1: Patients who will receive L-Carnitine in addition to a manual to perform physical exercise at home.

Group 2: Patients receiving L-Carnitine plus supervised exercise plan. Group 3: Patients receiving placebo and supervised exercise plan. All three groups will be evaluated for functional and anthropometric parameters: prior, during and after intervention. In addition, the dosage of L-carnitine and acetylcarnitine will be evaluated before and after the intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who meet at least 2 criteria for the fragility phenotype of Linda Fried
• Ability to comply with aerobic physical activity of moderate intensity and basic resistance.
• Not depressed patients (Yesavage <5 in patients without previous depression or Hamilton <7 in patients in treatment for depression)
• MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) greater than 24 points.
• Independent or mildly dependent patients, Barthel> 95 points.
• Patients without visual disturbances or with decreased visual acuity corrected.
• No pain or with VAS (Visual analogue scale) <3/10.
• Patients without nutritional risk, MNA (Mini Nutritional Assessment > 23.5 / 30 points) and BMI (Body Mass Index) > 23 kg / m2.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Absolute contraindications for performing physical exercise: recent AMI or unstable angina, uncontrolled hypertension, acute HF and complete AV block.
• Patients with osteoarticular pathology that limits their physical activity.
• Previous neurological pathology (Stroke, Enf. Of Parkinson's).
• Acute or chronic diseases decompensated or with lymphedema that makes difficult the accomplishment of the bioimpedanciometry.
• Patients using orthopedic devices and prostheses or pacemakers that interfere with gait or impede the achievement of bioimpedanciometry.
• BMI less than 23 and / or an involuntary weight loss of 3kg or more in the last 3 months.
• Psychiatric disorders that hinder adherence to treatment.
• Moderate to severe Chronic Renal Disease
• Patient who does not agree to participate in the study.