Effects of 12-month physical and cognitive training on sarcopenia determinants in older adults: a subgroup analysis of a randomised clinical trial

Abstract

Background

Low physical activity is a major risk for sarcopenia. Whether training according to physical activity guidelines accompanied with cognitive training is effective on sarcopenia, remains unclear.

Aims

We investigated whether the effects of 12-month physical and cognitive training (PTCT) and physical training (PT) on grip and knee extension strength, muscle mass, and walking speed differed between older adults with and without sarcopenia.

Methods

Community-dwelling older adults (N = 314, mean age 74.5 ± 3.8 years, 60% women) who did not meet physical activity guidelines were randomized to PTCT and PT groups. PT for both groups included supervised and home-based multicomponent physical training. Cognitive training (CT) included computer-based exercises for executive functioning. Sarcopenia was determined according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2019 criteria. Generalized estimation equation analysis were conducted.

Results

Compared to PT, PTCT had no additive effect on strength, muscle mass, or walking speed in participants with or without sarcopenia. In pooled data (PT + PTCT) change in the grip strength was greater in sarcopenia (n = 49) group compared to non-sarcopenia (n = 264) group (interaction, p =.014). Both groups improved knee extension strength, and walking speed, but no statistically significant difference between the groups were observed. Muscle mass did not change in either group.

Conclusion

Physical training according to physical activity recommendations improves muscle strength, walking speed, and maintains muscle mass in sarcopenia. Additional cognitive training had no benefits on these outcomes.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN52388040 and date of registration 20/1/2017.