Abstract
BackgroundDietary protein supplementation combined with resistance exercise (RE) may counteract declines in muscle strength, mass, and function (sarcopenia), but the role of whole foods rich in protein, such as milk, is less well understood. In the MIlkMAN study, we aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of milk+RE as an intervention for muscle function in community-dwelling older adults, and provide exploratory pilot data for future substantive research in population at risk of sarcopenia.MethodsIn a parallel groups design, 30 older adults (71.7±3.6 years; 12 women) were randomised into three groups: WM (whole milk 3.6% fat)+RE, SM (skimmed milk 0.3% fat)+RE, and C (isocaloric carbohydrate drink)+RE. RE was performed twice-weekly over 6 weeks in a community gym, followed by the consumption of 500 ml of milk (~20 g protein) or carbohydrate drink immediately after exercise and a further 500 ml at home within the following 4–5 hours. The feasibility and acceptability of the study was determined by calculating recruitment and attendance rates, compliance with the intervention, rating participants’ experiences, and recording adverse health events.ResultsThe response rate was 49% (out of 400 invitations sent), and the recruitment rate was 73.2% (30 participants recruited out of 41 screened for eligibility). Twenty-nine participants completed the intervention—an attendance rate of 97.1%; 89.7% rated their experience as ‘excellent’/very good’. Compliance with taking the drinks was 97.1% (WM), 98.3% (SM), and 95.0% (C); 93.1% rated their drink intake as ‘easy’/’very easy’ with no adverse effects. Collection of exploratory pilot data to inform future trials was successful. Mean change in grip strength, 5-chair rises, and gait speed were 0.9±3.4 kg, 1.8±2.2 s, 0.1±0.1 m/s, respectively with no differences between the groups.ConclusionsThis community-based milk+RE intervention was feasible and acceptable to older adults. The study successfully collected pilot data for future substantive research.
Highlights
Sarcopenia is a muscle disorder commonly but not exclusively seen in older adults, characterised by a decline in skeletal muscle strength and mass, leading to impaired function [1,2] and adverse health outcomes, including falls, frailty, poor quality of life (QoL), hospitalisation, and mortality [3]
Feasibility and acceptability of a milk and resistance exercise intervention: MIlk Intervention Muscle AgeiNg (MIlkMAN) pilot results who meet the criteria for access to confidential data
Incorporating foods dense in nutrients beneficial for ageing muscle [11] within a balanced diet may inform the development of strategies to mitigate sarcopenia that are acceptable to older adults [12], and not reliant on nutritional supplements or pharmacotherapy
Summary
Sarcopenia is a muscle disorder commonly but not exclusively seen in older adults, characterised by a decline in skeletal muscle strength and mass, leading to impaired function [1,2] and adverse health outcomes, including falls, frailty, poor quality of life (QoL), hospitalisation, and mortality [3]. Intervention studies combining protein supplementation with resistance exercise (RE) have been shown to ameliorate the decline in muscle mass and function in older adults at risk of sarcopenia and frailty [7,8]. These studies have predominantly involved protein supplements (e.g. whey) or isolated nutrients (e.g. leucine) and less is known about the role of whole foods rich in protein, such as milk and milk products, in sarcopenia [9,10]. In the MIlkMAN study, we aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of milk+RE as an intervention for muscle function in community-dwelling older adults, and provide exploratory pilot data for future substantive research in population at risk of sarcopenia
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