Effects of elastic band exercise on lean mass and physical capacity in older women with sarcopenic obesity: A randomized controlled trial

Chun-De Liao,Shih-Wei Huang,Tsan-Hon Liou,Jau-Yih Tsauo,Jan-Wen Ku,Dun-Jen Hsiao

doi:10.1038/s41598-018-20677-7

Abstract

Sarcopenia is associated with loss of muscle mass as well as an increased risk of physical disability in elderly people. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of elastic band resistance training (ERT) on muscle mass and physical function in older women with sarcopenic obesity. A randomized controlled trial with an intention-to-treat analysis was conducted. A total of 56 women (mean ± SD age 67.3 ± 5.1 years) were randomly assigned to the experimental group receiving 12 weeks of ERT and to the control group receiving no exercise intervention. Lean mass (measured using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometer), physical capacity (assessed using the global physical capacity score), and a 36-item short form questionnaire were conducted at the baseline examination (T0), as well as the 3-month (T1) and 9-month followups (T2). At T1 and T2, the between-group difference was measured in total skeletal mass relative to T0, with mean differences of 0.70 kg (95% CI 0.12–1.28; P < 0.05) and 0.72 kg (95% CI 0.21–1.23; P < 0.01), respectively. Similar results were found in muscle quality, physical capacity, and physical function outcomes. The ERT exerted a significant beneficial effect on muscle mass, muscle quality, and physical function in older women with sarcopenic obesity.

Highlights

Sarcopenic obesity, a recently identified phenotype of obese elderly people, is engendered by the additive effect of sarcopenia and obesity[1]
Resistance-type training using elastic bands has been frequently applied as a treatment method and is a safe approach for muscle strengthening in elderly adults[18,19], with the results revealing muscle activations and self-perceived efficacy similar to those observed from free-weight resistance training[20]
The compliance rate of the patients who participated in exercise interventions (i.e., EG) was 97.6% without any side effects being reported during their exercise period

Summary

Introduction

Sarcopenic obesity, a recently identified phenotype of obese elderly people, is engendered by the additive effect of sarcopenia and obesity[1]. Sarcopenia has been termed as—and is characterized by—age-related muscle wasting[2], obesity involving an increase in adipose tissue is considered a major cause of skeletal muscle loss[3] Such a decline in muscle mass followed by insufficient muscle power contributes to low physical performance in frail elderly people[4,5]. Resistance-type training using elastic bands has been frequently applied as a treatment method and is a safe approach for muscle strengthening in elderly adults[18,19], with the results revealing muscle activations and self-perceived efficacy similar to those observed from free-weight resistance training[20] Such training is used because of its simplicity and convenience and its ability to strengthen the musculoskeletal system, which further benefits physical mobility[21,22]. We hypothesized that an elastic band RET regime could improve body composition and PF in older women with sarcopenic obesity

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Conclusion