Elderly Patients
Conditions
Keywords
Citrulline, protein-energy malnutrition, amino acids, muscle strength, resistance training
Brief summary
The aim of this study is to assess the effect of citrulline supplementation on muscle strength in elderly institutionalized subjects undergoing a resistance exercise training program. The primary endpoint is the outcome of maximum strength of knee extensor muscles.
Detailed description
Maintaining muscle strength is mandatory for elderly persons to keep autonomy. Resistance exercise increases muscle strength in old and very old subjects, but there seems to be little effect on muscle mass. Citrulline is an amino acid that stimulates muscle protein synthesis, but its effect on muscle strength and mass remains to be determined. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of citrulline supplementation on muscle strength in elderly institutionalized subjects undergoing a resistance exercise training program. All the subjects (84) will undergo a resistance exercise training program for 12 weeks. The subjects will have a regimen of high-intensity progressive resistance training of the knee extensors 3 days per week. These muscle groups were chosen because of their importance in functional activities. The subjects will be randomized into two groups. An intervention group will receive orally citrulline at 10 g/day, and a control group will receive an isonitrogenous amount of nonessential amino acids (alanine, aspartate, glycine, serine, histidine and proline in equimolar quantity). During the 12 weeks of supplementation, clinical tolerance will be evaluated. Strength testing will be repeated every two weeks for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint is the outcome of maximum strength of knee extensor muscles. Fat-free mass (DEXA), gait velocity, timed get up and go, spontaneous physical activity (activity monitors), nutritional status (weight, albuminemia, TRANSTHYRETINEMIA) and quality of life will be measured at inclusion and at the end of the study. The number of falls during the study will be recorded.
Interventions
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTCitrulline
The subject will receive citrulline 10 g/day orally in the morning for 12 weeks.
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTNon essential amino acid
Non essential amino acid supplementation
Sponsors
Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
QUADRUPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
75 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Aged over 75 years * Able to walk at least 6 meters without human assistance.
Exclusion criteria
* Moderate to severe cognitive disorders (MMSE \< 20) * Severe malnutrition (BMI \< 18 or weight loss \> 10 % in 1 month or \> 15 % in 6 months, or albuminemia \< 30 g/L), * Inflammation (CRP \> 30 mg/L), * Severe renal failure (creatinine clearance \< 30 mL/mn), * Stage 4 cardiac failure, * Respiratory failure, * Corticoid treatment, * Participation in another trial
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum strength of knee extensor muscles | 12 weeks | Strength testing will be repeated every two weeks for 12 weeks |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fat-free mass | 12 weeks | Fat-free mass was measured by DEXA |
Countries
France
Outcome results
None listed