Abstract
Objective: Currently, ultrasound imaging (USI) is considered a feasible tool in the evaluation of structural and textural muscle differences due to aging. The main aim of this study was to evaluate sonographic changes in muscular structure and function after a 12-week multicomponent training program in pre-frailty individuals. Design: A prospective, randomized, clinical trial was carried out. Participants: Thirty-two pre-frailty subjects were recruited and randomly divided into a multicomponent training program group (n = 16; Multicomponent group) and a conventional care group (n = 14; Control group) with a 12-week follow up. Main outcome measures: Rectus femoris thickness, cross-sectional area (CSA), echointensity, echovariation and vastus lateralis pennation angle tests were carried out to assess the structure and echotexture, and the force–velocity (F-V) profile for muscle power and muscle strength was employed to assess the functional parameters. Results: Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were shown for the left rectus femoris echointensity and in the functional parameter of muscle power after a 12-week program for the multicomponent training group compared to the conventional care group. Conclusions: Pre-frailty elderly subjects showed a decrease in rectus femoris echointensity (RF-EI) and an increase in the functional parameter of muscle power after a 12-week multicomponent training program compared to the control group.
Highlights
Introduction iationsGeriatricians define frailty as a biological syndrome characterized by a decrease in biological reserve and resistance to stressors, resulting from alterations of several physiological systems [1]
Left rectus femoris echointensity (RF-EI) showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) at 12 weeks in both groups and reported significant differences (p < 0.05) in the multicomponent group after the intervention compared to controls
The purpose of this study was to conclude if pre-frail individuals who participated in a 12-week multicomponent training showed differences in thickness of the rectus femoris at 50% (RF-TH), rectus femoris (RF)-cross-sectional area (CSA), RF-EI, RF-EV
Summary
Geriatricians define frailty as a biological syndrome characterized by a decrease in biological reserve and resistance to stressors, resulting from alterations of several physiological systems [1]. García García et al [3] stated that pre-frailty affects up to 50% of the elderly population over 65 years old. Of pre-frailty elderlies need assistance at home or in care facilities, which decreases their functionality and quality of life. Physical deterioration (i.e., fatigue, decrease in the gait speed and grip strength), weight loss and reduced physical activity define the diagnoses of frailty [2]. One of the major pathophysiological factors associated with frailty is the loss of muscle mass induced by biological aging, such as sarcopenia [5]
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