Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of high intensity dynamic resistance exercise (HIT-DRT) and whey protein supplementation (WPS) on bone mineral density (BMD) and sarcopenia parameters in osteosarcopenic men. Men ≥ 72 years with osteosarcopenia (n = 43) were randomly assigned to a HIT-RT (HIT-RT: n = 21) or a non-training control group (n = 22). Supervised HIT-RT twice/week was applied for 18 months, while the control group maintained their habitual lifestyle. Supplying WPS, total protein intake amounted to 1.5–1.6 (HIT-RT) and 1.2 g/kg/body mass/d (control). Both groups were supplied with calcium and vitamin D. Primary study outcomes were BMD and the sarcopenia Z-score. After adjusting for multiplicity, we observed significant positive effects for sarcopenia Z-score (standardized mean difference (SMD): 1.40), BMD at lumbar spine (SMD: 0.72) and total hip (SMD: 0.72). In detail, effect sizes for skeletal muscle mass changes were very pronounced (1.97, p < 0.001), while effects for functional sarcopenia parameters were moderate (0.87, p = 0.008; handgrip strength) or low (0.39, p = 0.209; gait velocity). Apart from one man who reported short periods of temporary worsening of existing joint pain, no HIT-RT/WPS-related adverse effects or injuries were reported. We consider HIT-RT supported by whey protein supplementation as a feasible, attractive, safe and highly effective option to fight osteosarcopenia in older men.
Highlights
Osteopenia and sarcopenia are chronic conditions of advanced age with considerable pathophysiological overlap [1]
We consider HIT-RT supported by whey protein supplementation as a feasible, attractive, safe and highly effective option to fight osteosarcopenia in older men
Apart from baseline protein intake that was remarkably high in the CG, no significant differences were observed between the HIT-RT and control group
Summary
Osteopenia and sarcopenia are chronic conditions of advanced age with considerable pathophysiological overlap [1]. The clinical and largely geriatric syndrome of osteosarcopenia is complex with respect to its pathophysiology that precipitates into different musculoskeletal (e.g., bone mineral density (BMD), muscle mass) and functional outcomes (falls, weakness, immobility). No exercise study on BMD has focused on male cohorts 70 years+, be it with or without sarcopenia or osteopenia. The few DRT studies with male cohorts [9,10,11,12], reported low to negligible effects on BMD. This unfavorable result can be attributed at least in part to suboptimum exercise programs or inadequate BMD assessments
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