Effects of Protein-Rich Nutritional Composition Supplementation on Sarcopenia Indices and Physical Activity during Resistance Exercise Training in Older Women with Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Older adults with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) are at high risk of sarcopenia. Protein-rich nutritional composition supplementation (PS) combined with resistance exercise training (RET) improves muscle gains and facilitates physical activity in older adults. However, whether PS augments the effects of RET on muscle mass and PA in patients with KOA remains unclear. Therefore, this study identified the effects of PS on sarcopenic indices and PA in older women with KOA subjected to an RET program. Eligible older women aged 60–85 years and diagnosed as having KOA were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (EG) or the control group (CG). Both groups performed RET twice a week for 12 weeks. The EG received additional PS during this period. Outcome measures included appendicular lean mass index, walking speed, physical activity, and scores on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index—WOMAC). All measures were tested at baseline and after intervention. With participant characteristics and baseline scores as covariates, analysis of variance was performed to identify between-group differences in changes in all outcome measures after intervention. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. Compared with the CG, the EG achieved greater changes in appendicular lean mass index (adjusted mean difference (aMD) = 0.19 kg/m2, p < 0.01), physical activity (aMD = 30.0 MET-hour/week, p < 0.001), walking speed (aMD = 0.09 m/s, p < 0.05), and WOMAC global function (aMD = −8.21, p < 0.001) after intervention. In conclusion, PS exerted augmentative effects on sarcopenic indices, physical activity, and perceived global WOMAC score in older women with KOA through 12 weeks of RET.

Enhancing Physical Function and Activity Level in malnourished Older Adults through Oral Nutrition Supplements: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Participants undergoing a 12-week program of resistance exercise, protein supplementation, and vitamin D supplementation achieved the most substantial improvement in muscle quality and strength, among sarcopenic or dynapenic older adults [36]. A study by Liao and colleagues investigated the e cacy of a combined intervention involving resistance exercise training and protein supplementation in promoting the recovery of walking speed among individuals with knee osteoarthritis and sarcopenia [37] and found that the 12-week treatment enhanced the therapeutic effects by accelerating the time required for walking speed recovery to a level equal to or greater than 1.0 m/s. This improvement in walking speed not only helps reduce the severity of the disease but also has the potential to minimize the risk of sarcopenia in these patients [37].…”

“…A study by Liao and colleagues investigated the e cacy of a combined intervention involving resistance exercise training and protein supplementation in promoting the recovery of walking speed among individuals with knee osteoarthritis and sarcopenia [37] and found that the 12-week treatment enhanced the therapeutic effects by accelerating the time required for walking speed recovery to a level equal to or greater than 1.0 m/s. This improvement in walking speed not only helps reduce the severity of the disease but also has the potential to minimize the risk of sarcopenia in these patients [37]. In another RCT, performing thirty minutes of heavy-load strength training three times per week, along with protein supplementation, resulted in increased leg lean mass, as well as improvements in strength and functional capacity among older adults with limited mobility [38].…”

How Do Muscle Function and Quality Affect the Progression of KOA? A Narrative Review

“…A spectrum of therapeutic strategies has emerged from this recognition. These encompass methodologies such as isokinetic exercises 33 and a combination of nutritional interventions with resistance training, 34 all directed toward augmenting the muscular strength of KOA patients, thereby aiming to alleviate their symptoms. Concurrently, a myriad of research articles has highlighted the pervasive nature of muscular strength deficiencies observed among KOA patients, regardless of the severity of their individual conditions.…”

Effects of Protein Supplementation Combined with Resistance Exercise Training on Walking Speed Recovery in Older Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis and Sarcopenia

“…Among the various exercise training regimens for older individuals, resistance exercise training (RET) has demonstrated promising effects in terms of muscle mass gain, strength increase, and WS recovery in sarcopenia [ 39 , 40 , 41 ] and KOA [ 42 , 43 ]. In particular, an elastic RET using elastic strips or bands has been frequently used as a treatment method and is considered safe for muscle strengthening in elderly people with KOA [ 44 , 45 , 46 ]. In addition to exercise training, nutritional interventions such as protein supplementation (PS) are believed to augment the efficacy of exercise training for sarcopenia among older adults [ 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 ].…”

“…In addition to exercise training, nutritional interventions such as protein supplementation (PS) are believed to augment the efficacy of exercise training for sarcopenia among older adults [ 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 ]. However, few studies have investigated the effects of PS plus RET (PS+RET) on older individuals with KOA [ 45 ]. WS may positively influence a detrimental effect of sarcopenia, namely dependency while performing activities of daily living [ 52 ], and therefore, increasing WS can increase the probability of recovery from disability [ 53 ] and reduce the need for long-term care [ 54 ].…”