Sarcopenia and frailty could be prevented and rehabilitated through individual physical activities in the form of combined exercise that could be practiced at home in daily life.
The volunteers were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group using sealed envelopes containing documents marked with either IG (intervention group) or CG (control group). The intervention group received training, after which they demonstrated and practiced the physical activities. They were provided with an exercise leaflet for self-practice at home and were followed up by phone, LINE application, and leaders of social club for older adults at least once a week to ensure regular practice. The older adults' relatives and caregivers were also trained and encouraged to practice with them in a 1:1 match. Support techniques and warning signs for stopping or taking a break during exercise were added to each posture, along with suggestions for suitable environmental management, such as flat plains, sufficient light, and no barriers within 2 meters, to reduce the risks of accidents. However, the control group did not receive any intervention apart from general suggestions and continued with their usual daily activities.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
360
resistance, aerobic, and flexibility exercises
Regional Health Promotion Center 2 Phitsanulok
Phitsanulok, Thailand
The status of sarcopenia aligns with the criteria set by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS).
Sarcopenia status was assessed through three aspects, including a muscle strength test using handgrip strength measured with a dynamometer, a physical performance test using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and an appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) test measured with the ACCUNIQ BC 380 tool based on bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The results were aligned with the standards set by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS). Sarcopenia was diagnosed by low ASM with low muscle strength or low physical performance, dynapenia was diagnosed by low muscle strength only, and pre-sarcopenia was diagnosed by low ASM or low physical performance. Participants underwent assessments both at the beginning and at the 30-week endpoint.
Time frame: 30 weeks
Muscle strength
Muscle strength, specifically handgrip strength, was measured using a hand-held dynamometer. Participants gripped the dynamometer with their dominant hand while standing, maintaining their upper arm close to the body and their elbow bent to 90 degrees, exerting maximum force. This test was conducted twice, and the superior result was recorded. Low muscle strength was diagnosed if the handgrip strength was \< 26 kilograms in males and \< 18 kilograms in females. Participants underwent assessments at both the beginning and the 30-week endpoint.
Time frame: 30 weeks
Physical performance
The physical performance test utilized the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) to evaluate physical function, with a maximum score of 12 points. Low physical performance was diagnosed if the SPPB score was ≤ 9. Participants underwent assessments at both the beginning and the 30-week endpoint.
Time frame: 30 weeks
Muscle mass
Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was measured using the ACCUNIQ BC 380 tool based on bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and the Skeletal Muscle Mass Index (SMI) was calculated by dividing ASM in kilograms by the height in meters squared. Low muscle mass is diagnosed if SMI is \< 7.0 kilograms/meter\^2 in men and \< 5.47 kg/m\^2 in women. Participants underwent assessments at both the beginning and the 30-week endpoint.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: 30 weeks
Physical frailty status based on the 5 criteria of frailty phenotype, as defined by Fried et al. 2001.
Frailty phenotype assessment followed Fried et al.'s (2001) criteria, including weakness, slowness, unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, and low physical activity. Participants were categorized as "frail" if they met three or more criteria, "pre-frail" with one or two, and "robust" if none were fulfilled. (i) Weakness: Handgrip strength measured with a dynamometer. (ii) Slowness: Assessed by the time taken in a 15-feet walk test. (iii) Unintentional Weight Loss: Evaluated by recording weight loss exceeding 10 pounds or 5% in the last 3 months. (iv) Exhaustion: Assessed with two questions from the CES-D depression scale. (v) Low Physical Activity: Determined by asking about the frequency of moderate physical activities in the past week. Participants underwent assessments at both the beginning and the 30-week endpoint.
Time frame: 30 weeks