Muscle Makers: Evaluating a 10-Week Strength and Nutrition Programme's Impact on Sarcopenia

Abstract

Abstract Background Sarcopenia is a progressive skeletal muscle disorder characterized by loss of muscle mass and strength, leading to adverse outcomes like physical disability, poor quality of life, and death. The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) identifies sarcopenia using criteria including low muscle strength, quantity, quality, and performance. This highlights the importance of early detection and intervention strategies, such as the physiotherapy-led Muscle Makers programme —a 10-week outpatient Progressive Resistance Training (PRT) program with fortnightly Clinical Nutrition input. This data collection aimed to evaluate the programme's effectiveness over a 6-month period. Methods Data was collected on all participants who attended Muscle Makers (one 1-hour session/week) between September 2023 and February 2024. Analysis included participants with both pre- and post-10-week programme outcome measures completed. Data was collected and analysed using MS Excel. Outcome Measures (OCMsused: Timed Up and Go (TUG) and 5-time sit to stand (5TST).Inclusion: Participants with both pre- and post-OCMscompletedExclusion: Participants without pre/post OCMsNon-normally distributed data was log-transformed prior to statistical testing.Results: Number of participants fitting inclusion criteria: 44 (Male: 20, Female: 24)Average age: 80.6 yearsAverage sarcopenia score (SARC F): 4.04 (probable sarcopenia)Average number of falls in the past 12 months: 1.56Average number of classes attended: 8.12 Data Results Conclusion The participants in the Muscle Makers programme achieved significant improvements in both the 5TST and TUG tests, demonstrating enhanced lower body strength, balance, and overall functional mobility. These improvements suggest that the 10-week strength and nutrition intervention effectively mitigates the effects of sarcopenia, highlighting the potential of targeted exercise and nutritional strategies in managing and potentially reversing the progression of this condition.