Aging, Malnutrition Elderly, Sarcopenia
Conditions
Keywords
Tai Chi Chuan, Vegan Protein Supplementation, Buriti, Flexibility, Postural Balance, Elderly Health
Brief summary
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.
Interventions
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTNutricer® Supplementation
Vegan protein supplement based on buriti (Mauritia flexuosa), rice and pea.
OTHERMaltodextrin (Placebo)
Placebo supplement (maltodextrin), administered daily during the study period.
BEHAVIORALTai Chi Chuan program
Participants will participate in a supervised Tai Chi Chuan program consisting of structured sessions led by a qualified instructor throughout the intervention period.
Sponsors
Federal University of Minas Gerais
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
60 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Female participants aged 60 years or older * Participation in a Tai Chi Chuan program (at least twice per week, 60-minute sessions) * Commitment to remain in the study throughout the intervention period (e.g., 12 weeks) * Ability to understand and respond to questionnaires and perform the proposed physical tests * Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent (Informed Consent Form)
Exclusion criteria
* • Current use of protein supplements, vitamins, or similar products to the study supplement * Medical contraindications to performing light to moderate physical exercise * Diseases or conditions that significantly impair mobility (e.g., severe stroke sequelae, advanced Parkinson's disease) * Moderate to severe cognitive impairment (e.g., dementia) * Irregular participation in Tai Chi Chuan sessions (absence greater than 20% during the intervention period)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Body weight (kg) | Baseline and week 12. | Body weight will be measured using a calibrated digital scale and recorded in kilograms (kg). |
| Lean body mass percentage (%) | Baseline and week 12 | Lean body mass percentage will be assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and expressed as a percentage of total body mass. |
| Body fat percentage (%) | Baseline and week 12. | Body fat percentage will be assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and expressed as a percentage of total body mass. |
| Handgrip strength (kg) | Baseline and week 12 | Assessment of muscle strength using handgrip strength test with a digital dynamometer and recorded in kilograms (kg). |
| Plasma glucose concentration (mg/dL) | Baseline and Week 12 | Plasma glucose concentration (mg/dL) will be measured using an enzymatic colorimetric assay. |
| Percentage of plasma glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (%) | Baseline and Week 12 | Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (%) will be measured in whole blood. |
| Plasma LDL cholesterol concentration (mg/dL) | Baseline and week 12 | Plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentration (mg/dL) will be measured using an enzymatic colorimetric assay. |
| Plasma HDL cholesterol concentration (mg/dL) | Baseline and week 12 | Plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration (mg/dL) will be measured using an enzymatic colorimetric assay. |
| Plasma total cholesterol concentration (mg/dL) | Baseline and Week 12 | Plasma total cholesterol concentration (mg/dL) will be measured using an enzymatic colorimetric assay. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Functional balance assessed by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test | Baseline and week 12 | 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. |
| Flexibility assessed by the Sit-and-Reach test | Baseline and week 12 | 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. |
Countries
Brazil
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORSérgio H Santos, PhD
Federal University of Minas Gerais
Outcome results
None listed