Resistance training with or without nutritional supplementation showed no influence on muscle thickness in old institutionalized adults. A secondary analysis of the Vienna Active Ageing Study

BACKGROUND: Resistance training and protein supplementation are recommended strategies to combat sarcopenia.

AIM: Quantification of muscle thickness (MT) by musculoskeletal ultrasound is a promising method to follow changes in skeletal muscles. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of six months of resistance training with or without nutritional supplementation on MT of m. quadriceps in institutionalized old adults.

DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, multi-arm parallel and controlled intervention study.

SETTING: This study was conducted in five different retirement care facilities.

POPULATION: Institutionalized individuals (mean age 82.6 ± 6.2 years) were randomly assigned to an elastic band resistance training (n=41), training with nutritional supplementation (n=36) or control group (n=40).

METHODS: Health status and handgrip strength was investigated at baseline. MT of all parts of m. quadriceps of the left leg was assessed using musculoskeletal ultrasound at baseline and after six months. Linear regression models adjusted for age, BMI and sex were calculated to investigate the influence of baseline characteristics on MT. Multivariable regression analyses were performed for investigation of study intervention on MT. Follow up examinations were performed after 12 and 18 months.

RESULTS: Handgrip strength of both hands was significantly correlated with MT of m. vastus lateralis. Moreover the sum of regularly taken medication was significantly correlated to MT of all parts of quadriceps. Six months of training or nutritional supplementation was not able to alter MT. However, participants with lower baseline MT values or a higher number of diseases and medications at baseline showed significant higher increases in MT after intervention.

CONCLUSIONS: Resistance training using elastic bands with or without nutritional supplementation did not alter MT of m. quadriceps of old institutionalized individuals. However, baseline values and health status had a significant influence on the training effect.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: As old individuals are very heterogenic according to their health and muscle status, further studies might focus on individualising training regimes with particular emphasize on accompanied diseases and medications of this population.