Evaluation of a Nutrition and Exercise Group Intervention for Older Adults with Frailty and Probable Sarcopenia

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Abstract Background The prevalence of probable sarcopenia in frail older adults attending a Community Specialist Team (CST) is 52%. Resistance exercise and optimising nutrition are recommended interventions. The aim of this study was to evaluate a nutrition and exercise group for frail older adults with probable sarcopenia. Methods Adults aged ≥65 years, with probable sarcopenia identified through Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) by a CST over 18 months were included. At CGA (baseline), sarcopenia infographics and 2 attendances at Dietetic and Physiotherapy group were offered. Group intervention comprised nutrition and exercise information and individualised goal setting. Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) score, grip strength and 5 Times Sit-to-Stand (5TSS) were measured. Participants' needs and perceived changes in knowledge were evaluated using open questions and Likert Scales. Data was analysed using thematic analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics. Results Intervention was offered to 82 people. Twenty-nine (35%) attended an initial group (18 women, 11 men), with mean age 80.7 years (SD=7). Nine (30%) attended the second group. Participants were significantly less frail (median CFS 4, IQR 4, 6) than non-participants (median CFS 6, IQR 5, 7) (p= 0.002). Male grip strength improved significantly from baseline (mean 22kg, SD=4.21) to first group (mean 27.8kg, SD=4.36) (p=0.007) and to second group (mean 29kg, SD=4.21) (p=0.012). Female grip strength increased non-significantly from baseline (mean 12.6kg, SD=3.38) to first group (mean 14.5kg, SD=5.85), (p=0.127) and to second group (mean 14.83kg, SD=4.21) (p=0.890). Participant’s 5TSS did not change significantly (mean 19.75 sec, SD=6.38 to mean 20.78 sec, SD=7.73) (p=0.782). Nutrition and exercise knowledge improved significantly (p=0.004, p=0.003 respectively). Access to clear information was an identified theme. Conclusion Educational resources and tailored plans within group interventions can improve grip strength and knowledge in older adults living with very mild frailty. Further research is required to design an accessible intervention for more frail cohorts.