Effects of Physical Activity Program on Body Composition, Physical Performance, and Neuromuscular Strategies during Walking in Older Adults with Sarcopenic Obesity: Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

The potential impact of a specific physical activity program on biomechanical gait parameters and neuromuscular strategies around the ankle joint in older adults with sarcopenic obesity (SO) remains largely unexplored. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a 24-week posture, strengthening, and motricity (PSM) program on improving neuromuscular strategies and biomechanical gait parameters in older adults with SO. 40 participants were randomly assigned to either the trained group (TG) and the control group (CG). Only the TG received the PSM program. Standardized evaluations were performed before and after the intervention, including walking tests on an instrumented gait analysis treadmill to evaluate biomechanical gait parameters and EMG activity of ankle muscles. After the PSM program, TG exhibited an increase in comfortable walking speed (+80%, p < 0.001) and step length (+38%, p < 0.05). Moreover, TG demonstrated a reduction in CoP velocity (−26%, p < 0.01). These gait modifications were associated with decreased muscle activity during the different gait phases (p < 0.05). The PSM program effectively improved gait and neuromuscular capacities in older adults with SO. Notably, these results shed light on the remarkable trainability of neuromuscular capacities in older adults with SO, despite the adverse effects of aging and obesity.

Does Obesity Affect the Rate of Force Development in Plantar Flexor Muscles among Older Adults?

“…The t -test was predefined for power analysis. The estimation was based on predefined controls for type I errors (alpha = 0.05) and Type II errors (beta = 0.60), with a moderate level of estimated effect size (r = 0.30) [ 15 ]. Under these settings, 38 participants were required for the minimum sample size.…”

“…Walking is an indicator of autonomy [ 14 ] and plays a key role in disease prevention and weight management in older adults [ 15 ]. It also serves as a crucial diagnostic criterion for conditions like sarcopenia and frailty [ 16 ].…”

Influence of Concurrent Exercise Training on Ankle Muscle Activation during Static and Proactive Postural Control on Older Adults with Sarcopenic Obesity: A Multicenter, Randomized, and Controlled Trial

“…The TMP program is reported using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) guidelines and is based on the methodology presented in the study of Ferhi et al [30] as demonstrated in Table 1.…”

“…Tailoring Modifications to the training intensity were assessed after each session using the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale, as outlined in the study by Ferhi et al [30].…”

“…Adjustments were made during each session, following the guidelines provided in the study by Ferhi et al [30].…”