Nutritional intervention and functional exercises improve depression, loneliness and quality of life in elderly women with sarcopenia: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Introduction: Loneliness interferes with the eating habits and functionality of the elderly, compromising their quality of life. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of eating and performing functional group-based exercises on depressive symptoms, loneliness and quality of life in patients with sarcopenia treated at a public health service. Method: This is a randomized clinical trial with a convenience sample of elderly women with sarcopenia according to the European Work Group of Sarcopenia on Older People (EWGSOP), divided into three groups of 20 subjects each: a control group (CG), functional exercise group (FEG), monitored using the Home-based Older People’s Exercise (HOPE) program, and functional exercise and nutritional intervention group (NIG), which in addition to HOPE, received pre-training fruit juice (fast-absorbing carbohydrates) and post-training banana smoothie reinforced with peanut (leucine). These groups met twice a week for 12 weeks, the control group (CG) received health guidance at weekly meetings for 12 weeks. The results of the interventions were analyzed using the geriatric depression scale and UCLA loneliness scale, and quality of life using the EQ-5D. Results: Significant post-intervention differences were observed in the NIG group in depressive (p=0.008) and loneliness symptoms (0.04) and quality of life (0.009), demonstrating the effects of group exercise and eating as a social activity. Conclusion: Nutritional intervention and functional group-based exercises were effective at minimizing depressive symptoms, social isolation, and improving the quality of life of elderly women with sarcopenia.

Muscle Strength Moderates the Relationship between Nutritional Health Risk and Depression in Korean Older Adults

“…The moderating effect of lower-extremity muscle strength on the relationship implies the clinical importance of both good nutrition and muscle fitness as a therapeutic strategy against late-in-life depression. In support of the current findings, Pinheiro et al [ 44 ] conducted a 12-week randomized control trial of sarcopenic elderly women and showed that a combination of nutritional intervention and group-based functional exercise is more effective at relieving depressive symptoms and social isolation, compared with a single intervention, such as nutritional intervention or socialization activities. In a cross-sectional study involving 130 community-dwelling Japanese older adults, Kaburagi et al [ 45 ] found that adequate nutritional status was positively associated with handgrip strength and maximum walking speed but negatively associated with GDS score, implying a pathologic connection between nutrition, physical fitness, and mental health.…”

Possible Sarcopenia and Its Association with Nutritional Status, Dietary Intakes, Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life among Older Stroke Survivors

“…33) Improvement in sarcopenia was also associated with better functional and discharge outcomes among patients with stroke undergoing rehabilitation. 34) Additionally, participants with recurrent stroke were more likely to have possible sarcopenia. However, this factor was only significant in the younger age group.…”

“… 33 ) Improvement in sarcopenia was also associated with better functional and discharge outcomes among patients with stroke undergoing rehabilitation. 34 )…”

Functional capacity, risk of falling and chronic pain in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: a telemonitoring study

“…18,19 Verificou-se, por meio da aplicação desse protocolo às idosas sarcopênicas atendidas em serviço público de saúde, que a qualidade de vida e a preservação da capacidade funcional foram mais bem percebidas nos idosos que se exercitavam regularmente. 26 Os pacientes idosos que realizavam fisioterapia anteriormente à pandemia precisam continuar recebendo atendimento especializado no momento em questão. Para atender a essa necessidade, recomenda-se a opção de telemonitoramento como estratégia apropriada para prevenir o declínio funcional em idosos.…”