Abstract
Physical exercise is effective for sarcopenic elderly but evidence for the most effective mode of exercise is conflicting. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a three-month group-based versus home-based exercise program on muscular, functional/physical performance and quality of life (QoL) across elderly with sarcopenia. 54 elderly (47 women, 7 men aged 72.87 ± 7 years) were randomly assigned to one of three interventions: supervised group (n = 18), individualized home-based exercise (n = 18) and control group (n = 18). Body composition was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis, calf measurement with inelastic tape and strength assessments (grip and knee muscle strength) via hand-held and isokinetic dynamometers. Functional assessments included four-meter (4 m), Τimed-Up and Go (TUG) and chair stand (CS) tests. QoL was assessed with Greek Sarcopenia Quality of Life (SarQol_GR) questionnaire. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention (week 12), and 3 months post-intervention (week 24). Significant group x time interactions (p < 0.001) were observed in QoL, calf circumference, TUG, CS, and 4 m tests, grip and knee muscle strength. Group-based compared to home-based exercise yielded significant improvements (p < 0.05) in muscle mass index, CS and 4 m tests, calf circumference, muscle strength at 12 weeks. Most improvements at 24 weeks were reported with grouped exercise. No changes were found across the control group. Results suggest group-based exercise was more effective than home-based for improving functional performance.
Highlights
Sarcopenia, defined as low muscle mass and low muscle function and/or reduced physical performance [1] is a major public health consideration [2,3]
Four systematic reviews [1,17,18,19] published in recent years on different nonpharmacological treatments for sarcopenia highlighted the diversity across studies in terms of the samples’ nutritional status, degree of physical frailty, the exercise training mode as well as the outcome measures used
The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of a group-based exercise training program over a home-based exercise training program on muscle strength, muscle mass, physical performance, functional status and quality of life parameters in elderly people with sarcopenia living in Greece
Summary
Sarcopenia, defined as low muscle mass and low muscle function and/or reduced physical performance [1] is a major public health consideration [2,3]. It leads to serious adverse health consequences such as functional disabilities, frailty, fatigue, falls, fractures, hospitalizations, multiple comorbidities (osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus) [4], mortality, and compromised quality of life [3,5,6]. Exercise seems to have the most beneficial effects [8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16], exercise programs are highly variable, in terms of type (resistance, aerobic, multicomponent, etc.) and training mode (type, frequency duration, setting, etc.). Exercise has positive effects in improving muscle strength and physical function, especially when 3 months’ resistance exercise programs are administered [7], the current subject merits further research
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
