Effect of Exercise on Muscle Mass, Functional Capacity and Physical Activity in Community-dwelling Elderly With Sarcopenia in Jamaica

Community-dwelling seniors aged 60 years and older were screened for muscle mass and function (grip strength and walk speed) and persons with sarcopenia were identified using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older Persons (EWGSOP) algorithm for case finding (N=1344). Of the 77 seniors with sarcopenia, 38 consented to participate and were randomly allocated to receive 6 months combined-modality high intensity treadmill based exercise and a 'usual care' home exercise programme. A comparison of the effects of treatment assignment on muscle mass, function, fitness, physical activity level and disability was done. Participants in the supervised combined-modality high intensity group were required to attend sessions 3 times per week; participants in the home exercise programme were required to attend 1 supervised session at the start of their 6-month intervention. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at the end of the 6-month intervention. Data were analysed using standard statistical parametric and non-parametric methods including repeated measures analysis of variance to determine changes in outcomes and regression to establish determinants of outcomes.