Possible Sarcopenia
Conditions
Keywords
Exercise Snacks, Possible Sarcopenia, Older Adults, Muscle Strength
Brief summary
This study aims to investigate whether exercise snacks, a time-efficient approach involving short bouts of exercise performed throughout the day, can improve muscle strength in older adults with possible sarcopenia. Participants will be randomly assigned to an exercise snacks group, a home-based resistance training group, or a non-exercise control group. The intervention will last 8 weeks. Muscle strength and physical function will be assessed before and after the intervention.
Detailed description
Sarcopenia is a common age-related condition characterized by reduced muscle strength and impaired physical function, which may increase the risk of falls, disability, and loss of independence in older adults. Although resistance training is recommended as an effective strategy for improving muscle function, participation among older adults may be limited by time constraints, accessibility, and adherence challenges. Exercise snacks are a time-efficient exercise strategy consisting of short bouts of physical activity distributed throughout the day. This approach may reduce exercise barriers and improve adherence among older adults. However, evidence regarding the effects of exercise snacks on muscle strength in older adults with possible sarcopenia remains limited. This randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of 8 weeks of exercise snacks compared with home-based resistance training and a non-exercise control condition in older adults with possible sarcopenia. A total of 60 older adults will be randomly assigned to three groups: an exercise snacks group, a home-based resistance training group, or a non-exercise control group. Participants in the exercise snacks group will complete brief exercise sessions distributed throughout the day, while participants in the resistance training group will perform a structured home-based exercise program. The control group will maintain their usual lifestyle. The primary outcomes include muscle strength and physical function, assessed using handgrip strength, 5-time chair stand test, 30-second chair stand test, and isokinetic knee strength testing. Exercise adherence and adverse events will also be recorded throughout the intervention period. The findings of this study may provide evidence for practical, accessible, and scalable exercise strategies to improve muscle function among older adults with possible sarcopenia.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALExercise Snacks
The exercise snacks intervention consisted of brief bouts of bodyweight exercises performed throughout the day for 8 weeks. Participants completed three exercise sessions per day, five days per week. Each session included five exercises: sit-to-stand, alternating seated knee extension, alternating standing knee flexion, high-knee marching in place, and wall push.
BEHAVIORALHome-based Resistance Training
Participants completed an 8-week home-based resistance training program using the same bodyweight exercises as the exercise snacks group. Training was performed three days per week with multiple exercise sessions completed on each training day.
Sponsors
Ziren Zhao
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
60 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
1. Community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years or older. 2. Meeting the criteria for possible sarcopenia according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 consensus. 3. Handgrip strength less than 28 kg for men or less than 18 kg for women. 4. Five-time chair stand test time of 12 seconds or longer. 5. Able to independently complete the exercise protocol and outcome assessments. 6. Provided written informed consent before participation.
Exclusion criteria
1. Presence of contraindications to physical activity according to the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q). 2. Participation in regular structured resistance training. 3. Use of medications or treatments likely to substantially affect muscle strength. 4. Participation in other interventional studies within the previous three months. 5. Unable to complete the five-time chair stand test independently.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Handgrip Strength | Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention | Handgrip strength was assessed using a hydraulic dynamometer. Participants performed three maximal voluntary contractions with the dominant hand, and the highest peak force was used for analysis. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Five-Time Chair Stand Test | Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention | The five-time chair stand test was used to assess lower-limb functional strength. Participants completed the test with their arms folded across the chest, and the best performance was recorded. |
| 30-Second Chair Stand Test | Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention | — |
| Isokinetic Knee Peak Torque | Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention | Knee muscle strength was assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. Peak torque at 60°/s and 180°/s was recorded. |
| Exercise Adherence | During the 8-week intervention | Exercise adherence was recorded throughout the intervention period based on completion of prescribed exercise sessions. |
Countries
China
Outcome results
None listed