Abstract
ABSTRACTBackgroundSarcopenic obesity is associated with disability in older people, especially in women. Resistance exercises are recommended for this population, but their efficacy is not clear.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of a progressive resistance exercise program with high-speed component on the physical function of older women with sarcopenic obesity.MethodTwenty-eight women 65 to 80 years old, with a body mass index ≥30kg/m2 and handgrip strength ≤21kg were randomly allocated to two groups. The experimental group underwent a 10-week resistance exercise program designed to improve strength, power, and endurance of lower-limb muscles, with open chain and closed chain exercises. The control group had their health status monitored through telephone calls. The primary outcomes were lower limb muscle performance measured by knee extensor strength, power and fatigue by isokinetic dynamometry, and mobility measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery and by gait velocity. The secondary outcome was health-related quality of life assessed by the SF-36 Questionnaire.ResultsThe average rate of adherence was 85%, with few mild adverse effects. There were no significant between-group differences for any of the outcomes.ConclusionIn this study, a progressive resistance exercise program with high-speed component was not effective for improving the physical function of older women with sarcopenic obesity.
Highlights
Physical therapists are often faced with challenging cases of elderly patients with excess body weight, a condition that has been associated with impairments in muscle performance and functional limitations
The two from the experimental group had health problems not related to the resistance exercise program, i.e. unstable arterial hypertension and an episode of fall at home (Figure 1)
For the secondary outcome quality of life, there were no significant within- or between-group differences at 10 weeks. This is the first randomized trial to test the effects of resistance exercises for older people with sarcopenic obesity comparing an intervention group to a control group with no intervention
Summary
Physical therapists are often faced with challenging cases of elderly patients with excess body weight, a condition that has been associated with impairments in muscle performance and functional limitations. The combination of excess body fat and reduced muscle mass or strength is called sarcopenic obesity (SO)[1,2]. The hormonal decline associated with aging leads to muscle fiber atrophy and accumulation of abdominal and intra‐muscular fat, predisposing the patient to SO1. A pro-inflammatory state is intrinsically related to this condition and other factors can exacerbate this process such as physical inactivity, comorbidities, and dietary deficiencies[3].
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