Exercise and Protein Supplementation for Prevention and Treatment of Sarcopenia

AbstractPurpose of ReviewSarcopenia results in disability and negatively impacts older adults ’ ability to live independently. The purpose of this review is to summarize the recent literature regarding the effectiveness of exercise and nutritional supplementation as a treatment for sarcopenia.Recent FindingsA number of recent studies demonstrated improvements in muscle mass and function in sarcopenic adults through resistance training and combination resistance+aerobic exercise training. Variability in program design, duration, and intensity leads to inconsistent findings in the literature. The addition of protein supplementation to resistance training appears to lead to more consistent improvements in muscle mass and function in sarcopenia.SummaryAppropriately dosed exercise and dietary interventions improve muscle mass and function. Whether sarcopenia can be “cured” through these interventions, or if improved function and prevention of further declines should be the treatment goal, is unknown. Future research is needed to optimize the exercise prescription for treatment of sarcopenia.
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research