Effects of Functional Training on Sarcopenia in Elderly Women in the Presence or Absence of ACE Inhibitors.

Marianna Mile,Lilla Barna,László Balogh,Krisztina Szabó,István Lekli,József Márton Pucsok,Gábor Papp,Zoltán Csiki

doi:10.3390/ijerph18126594

Abstract

Sarcopenia, defined as loss of muscle mass and strength, develops gradually with aging or after chronic disease. Efforts are ongoing to identify the best interventions that can slow down or stop sarcopenia. Nutrition-based interventions and exercise therapy may be beneficial; however, pharmacotherapy also could play a role. The effect of ACE inhibitors on physical performance is controversial. The present study investigates the impact of functional training on sarcopenia in the presence or absence of ACEi in elderly females. A total of 35 women over 65 years of age were selected for two groups on the basis that they were taking ACEi (n = 18) or not (n = 17). All subjects conducted a training program two times a week for 6 months. We examined various factors related to sarcopenia. After completing the short physical performance battery (SPPB) test, we found a significant improvement after 6 months of functional training. SPPB values of the ACEi group were significantly lower at the beginning of the study; however, we observed no difference between the SPPB results of the two groups after the training period. We conducted further studies to measure posture and spine mobility. Our Schober and Cobra test results revealed significantly improved spine mobility (both flexor and extensor) in both groups after 6 months of training. Furthermore, the grip strength of the hands, studied by an electric dynamometer, was significantly improved in both groups at the end of the training period. Our results indicated that functional training may improve body composition and muscle strength in patients diagnosed with sarcopenia. Furthermore, ACEi may be a helpful additional therapy in older adult patients suffering from severe sarcopenia.

Highlights

Introduction iationsSarcopenia is an age-related pathophysiological muscle atrophy
The literature is controversial regarding the effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) on the physical performance of older patients
The criteria of sarcopenia diagnosis were based on the presence of low muscle function and low muscle mass according to the consensus of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older

Summary

Introduction

Introduction iationsSarcopenia is an age-related pathophysiological muscle atrophy. A pathological loss in muscle mass characterizes sarcopenia, leading to reduced mobility and quality of life [1].The prevalence of sarcopenia is high and keeps on increasing. Sarcopenia is an age-related pathophysiological muscle atrophy. A pathological loss in muscle mass characterizes sarcopenia, leading to reduced mobility and quality of life [1]. The prevalence of sarcopenia is high and keeps on increasing. An estimated 50 million individuals are affected globally, which will exceed 200 million by 2050 [2]. The underlying mechanisms of sarcopenia include hormonal alterations, immunological factors, nutritional deficiencies, and decreased physical activity. Proper and early diagnosis and appropriate care and treatments may ease or even improve the disease symptoms. In addition to nutritional and exercise therapies, pharmacotherapeutic approaches may play a role in treating sarcopenia. The literature is controversial regarding the effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) on the physical performance of older patients

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Conclusion