The Cardio-Sarcopenia Study

Recruiting

• Conditions: Older Adults; Physical Activity; Cardiac Ageing; Sarcopenia

• Registration Number: NCT05203406
• Lead Sponsor: National Heart Centre Singapore

Brief Summary

The use of surrogate markers such as body mass index (BMI) as a target outcome of physical activity may not be appropriate in older adults who are at risk of muscle sarcopenia. In the presence of sarcopenia, reductions in body weight may lead to lower BMI values. We have previously found deleterious changes in cardiac structure and function among sarcopenic older adults, raising a possible biological syndrome of 'cardio-sarcopenia'. In this study, we will investigate the impact of physical activity on temporal changes in cardiac and skeletal muscle , and BMI, over six- to twelve month period, on older adults with this syndrome. By targeting the cardio-sarcopenic phenotype as a modifiable risk factor that may be altered by physical activity, the results will provide new knowledge into retarding deleterious consequences of cardiovascular ageing. This new target challenges the paradigm of using BMI as an anthropometric marker in health prevention. If proven, this will dramatically change primary prevention targets among older adults, justifying the use of cardio-sarcopenia as a rational anthropometric target.

Detailed Description

This study builds upon our group's work where we characterized cardiovascular and skeletal muscle structure and function of community-based older adults. In this proposal, we will identify n=100 participants with cardio-sarcopenia phenotype. Comparing between participants with baseline low versus high levels of physical activity, we will investigate temporal changes in their cardiovascular, skeletal muscle, biomarkers and BMI data, over a six- to twelve month period. Physical activity will include subjective self-reported physical activities and objective measures of aerobic capacity. Their physical activity levels will be verified bi-monthly via physical activity and cardiac health application that measures these markers. Pertinent fluctuations in diet, lifestyle, risk factors and biomarkers will also be recorded.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2022-01-10
• Study First Submitted QC: 2022-01-10
• Study First Posted: 2022-01-24
• Study Start: 2022-05-01
• Status Verified: 2023-03
• Last Update Submitted: 2023-03-07
• Last Update Posted: 2023-03-08
• Primary Completion: 2023-12-31
• Study Completion: 2051-12-31

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 200

Inclusion Criteria

• >=21 years of age

Exclusion Criteria

• Unable to provide written informed consent to participate in the study.

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Changes in cardio-sarcopenia	Six to twelve months	To compare differences in skeletal muscle (structure and function) and CV imaging markers, between older adults with low versus high physical activity levels, over time, at baseline and at six- to twelve months

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Changes in body mass index (BMI)	Six to Twelve months	To study rates of changes in body mass index in relation to changes in cardio-sarcopenia.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

National Heart Centre Singapore; 🇸🇬 Singapore, Singapore