Effects of Multicomponent Training in Older Adults

Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome which involves the progressive loss of muscle mass and physical performance in aging adults. The age-related decline inherent to sarcopenia has been associated with an increased risk of falls, disability, and mortality. Exercise is a non-pharmacological intervention that has been shown to prevent and manage age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, however there is limited research regarding its effect on patient-reported outcomes in older adults.

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of an 8-week multicomponent training program on quality of life, fear of falling, and physical performance in community-dwelling older adults. A convenient sample of community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older from an outpatient medical center in Northeast Pennsylvania were recruited to participate. Eligible subjects volunteered to participate in the intervention, which consisted of two group-based sixty-minute standardized sessions per week supervised by an experienced professional in the outpatient medical center, or a control group composed of patients who did not perform the intervention. Outcomes testing was performed for both groups prior to, at the mid-point (4 weeks), and following the completion of the exercise intervention (8 weeks). Semi-structured, individual interviews with selected participants who completed the intervention were conducted by the researcher in the designated research environment to assess barriers, drivers, and the overall experience of the intervention.

The study evaluated the following research questions:

• Will an 8-week multicomponent exercise intervention improve quality of life in community-dwelling older adults with probable sarcopenia?
• Will an 8-week multicomponent exercise intervention improve fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults with probable sarcopenia?
• Will an 8-week multicomponent exercise intervention improve physical performance in community-dwelling older adults with probable sarcopenia?
• Will an 8-week multicomponent exercise intervention improve hand grip strength in community-dwelling older adults with probable sarcopenia?
• What are the drivers and barriers of exercise adherence for community-dwelling older adults with probable sarcopenia who experienced an 8-week multicomponent exercise intervention?

A two-way ANOVA (group x time) was utilized for data analysis to determine between-group effects. Tukey post hoc testing was used to evaluate where differences occurred (pre-, mid-, post-). General ideas and emerging themes were inductively coded by the researcher and an independent content specialist utilizing the data from post-intervention interview transcripts.

The study was significant because it assessed whether the program was a feasible intervention that could be implemented by providers to aid in the management of age-related loss of muscle strength and physical performance for community-dwelling older adults. The findings of this study offered providers evidence-based practices that could be used for effective multicomponent exercise training prescription.

Inclusion criteria

• age greater than or equal to 65 years
• able and willing to provide consent
• patient of Geisinger 65Forward Scranton clinic

Exclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, neurological disorders, uncontrolled metabolic disease, history of pacemaker or cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure not controlled with medication
• Previous history of musculoskeletal surgery or injury that could affect mobility
• An inability to perform an exercise program independently