Cardiac Ageing, Older Adults, Physical Activity, Sarcopenia
Conditions
Keywords
aging, cardiovascular, skeletal muscle, sarcopenia, prevention, digital technology
Brief summary
The use of surrogate markers such as body mass index (BMI) as a target outcome of physical activity may not be appropriate in older adults who are at risk of muscle sarcopenia. In the presence of sarcopenia, reductions in body weight may lead to lower BMI values. We have previously found deleterious changes in cardiac structure and function among sarcopenic older adults, raising a possible biological syndrome of 'cardio-sarcopenia'. In this study, we will investigate the impact of physical activity on temporal changes in cardiac and skeletal muscle , and BMI, over six- to twelve month period, on older adults with this syndrome. By targeting the cardio-sarcopenic phenotype as a modifiable risk factor that may be altered by physical activity, the results will provide new knowledge into retarding deleterious consequences of cardiovascular ageing. This new target challenges the paradigm of using BMI as an anthropometric marker in health prevention. If proven, this will dramatically change primary prevention targets among older adults, justifying the use of cardio-sarcopenia as a rational anthropometric target.
Detailed description
This study builds upon our group's work where we characterized cardiovascular and skeletal muscle structure and function of community-based older adults. In this proposal, we will identify n=100 participants with cardio-sarcopenia phenotype. Comparing between participants with baseline low versus high levels of physical activity, we will investigate temporal changes in their cardiovascular, skeletal muscle, biomarkers and BMI data, over a six- to twelve month period. Physical activity will include subjective self-reported physical activities and objective measures of aerobic capacity. Their physical activity levels will be verified bi-monthly via physical activity and cardiac health application that measures these markers. Pertinent fluctuations in diet, lifestyle, risk factors and biomarkers will also be recorded.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
National Heart Centre Singapore
Study design
Observational model
ECOLOGIC_OR_COMMUNITY
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
21 Years to 99 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* \>=21 years of age
Exclusion criteria
* Unable to provide written informed consent to participate in the study.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Changes in cardio-sarcopenia | Six to twelve months | To compare differences in skeletal muscle (structure and function) and CV imaging markers, between older adults with low versus high physical activity levels, over time, at baseline and at six- to twelve months |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Changes in body mass index (BMI) | Six to Twelve months | To study rates of changes in body mass index in relation to changes in cardio-sarcopenia. |
Other
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Changes in cardiac function as assessed by personalized digital health application. | Six to Twelve month | To test feasibility and utility of using cardiac health application to input markers of physical activity, deriving automated feedback about cardiac function. |
Countries
Singapore
Outcome results
None listed