Effect of a Multicomponent Exercise Program on Muscle Quality Assessed by Ultrasound, Body Composition, and Functionality in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol

Population aging emphasizes the need for "healthy aging", where muscle quality (MQ) is a vital metric. However, there is a lack of robust longitudinal protocols integrating ultrasound-assessed MQ with functional performance in older women. This randomized controlled trial involves community-dwelling women aged 60+ from the Geriatric Revitalization Program in Salamanca. Participants will be randomized (1:1) into an experimental group (multicomponent training) or a control group. The intervention is a 32-week supervised program (3 sessions/week, 50 min/session) combining aerobic, strength, balance, and coordination exercises. Primary outcomes focus on muscle architecture (echo intensity and thickness) in the rectus femoris and rectus abdominis muscles. Secondary outcomes include functional capacity (SPPB, TUG, 5-time sit-to-stand), handgrip strength, and body composition.