Aging is a natural process commonly associated with loss of muscle mass, reduced flexibility, and impaired balance, directly affecting the quality of life of older adults. Tai Chi Chuan, a traditional mind-body practice, has been shown to improve balance, flexibility, and overall well-being in elderly populations. In addition, nutritional supplementation may enhance these effects, particularly when based on plant-derived functional compounds.This study aims to evaluate the effects of vegan protein supplementation with Nutricer®-based on buriti (Mauritia flexuosa), rice, and pea-on body composition, muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and dietary frequency in elderly women practicing Tai Chi Chuan. This is a placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 40 elderly female participants, randomly assigned into two groups: an experimental group (n = 20), receiving Nutricer® supplementation, and a control group (n = 20), receiving a placebo (maltodextrin), both alongside regular Tai Chi Chuan practice.Buriti is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to the preservation of muscle and functional health. It is expected that the combination of vegan protein supplementation and Tai Chi Chuan practice will result in significant improvements in functional health, providing a natural, accessible, and safe strategy for healthy aging.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
40
Vegan protein supplement based on buriti (Mauritia flexuosa), rice and pea.
Placebo supplement (maltodextrin), administered daily during the study period.
Participants will participate in a supervised Tai Chi Chuan program consisting of structured sessions led by a qualified instructor throughout the intervention period.
State University of Minas Gerais
Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Body weight (kg)
Body weight will be measured using a calibrated digital scale and recorded in kilograms (kg).
Time frame: Baseline and week 12.
Lean body mass percentage (%)
Lean body mass percentage will be assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and expressed as a percentage of total body mass.
Time frame: Baseline and week 12
Body fat percentage (%)
Body fat percentage will be assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and expressed as a percentage of total body mass.
Time frame: Baseline and week 12.
Handgrip strength (kg)
Assessment of muscle strength using handgrip strength test with a digital dynamometer and recorded in kilograms (kg).
Time frame: Baseline and week 12
Plasma glucose concentration (mg/dL)
Plasma glucose concentration (mg/dL) will be measured using an enzymatic colorimetric assay.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
Percentage of plasma glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (%)
Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (%) will be measured in whole blood.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
Plasma LDL cholesterol concentration (mg/dL)
Plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentration (mg/dL) will be measured using an enzymatic colorimetric assay.
Time frame: Baseline and week 12
Plasma HDL cholesterol concentration (mg/dL)
Plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration (mg/dL) will be measured using an enzymatic colorimetric assay.
Time frame: Baseline and week 12
Plasma total cholesterol concentration (mg/dL)
Plasma total cholesterol concentration (mg/dL) will be measured using an enzymatic colorimetric assay.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
Functional balance assessed by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test
Functional balance will be assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Participants will be instructed to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back, and sit down. The time required to complete the test will be recorded in seconds, with lower times indicating better functional mobility and balance performance.
Time frame: Baseline and week 12
Flexibility assessed by the Sit-and-Reach test
Flexibility will be assessed using the sit-and-reach test. Participants will perform the test according to standardized procedures, and the maximum distance reached will be recorded in centimeters. Higher values indicate greater flexibility.
Time frame: Baseline and week 12
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