PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SARCOPENIC OBESITY IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

Background: Sarcopenic obesity causes a decline in the ability to perform activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living in older adults. Physical activity is defined as the movement of any body part derived from the work of skeletal muscle, which leads to energy consumption. Physical activity comprises not only exercise but also all activities of daily life and promotes benefits of health outcomes, with the shift from a sedentary lifestyle to that including physical activity of any intensity (including light intensity) even leading to health benefits. Objective: The current study aims to review the associations of aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, and physical activity with body composition, physical performance, and activities of daily living in older adults with sarcopenic obesity, including older adults requiring assistance with the performance of activities of daily living. Results: Resistance and aerobic exercises could have positive effects on muscle mass, body fat, and physical performance in older adults with sarcopenic obesity. Besides, physical activity may reduce the risk of sarcopenic obesity in older adults. Conclusion: There has been a paucity of studies particularly on whether physical activity could still prevent the risk of sarcopenic obesity and improve muscle mass, body fat, physical performance, and the capacity for activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living in older adults with sarcopenic obesity, including older adults with sarcopenic obesity requiring care. Future studies need to additionally clarify whether physical activity affects the risk of sarcopenic obesity and promotes benefits in body composition, physical performance, and the capacity for activities of daily living in older adults and older adults with sarcopenic obesity requiring care.