Effect of resistance and balance training on muscle function and balance in older people with sarcopenia: A randomized controlled trial
Moksha Hemant Ranka, Deepali N. HandeBACKGROUND:
An age-related musculoskeletal disorder called sarcopenia is defined by a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and physical function. Functional limits, poor balance, a higher risk of falls, frailty, dependence on others for everyday tasks, and a lower quality of life are all significantly impacted by it for older persons. Given India’s increasing senior population and steadily increasing life expectancy, sarcopenia has emerged as a significant public health issue. Because pharmaceutical treatments for sarcopenia are few and frequently linked to unfavorable side effects, nonpharmacological approaches are crucial. Many people prescribe exercise therapy, especially resistance training, to increase strength and reverse muscle loss, and balance training is essential for improving postural control and lowering the risk of falls. The efficacy of balance training alone versus a combined resistance and balance training program in older adults with sarcopenia, however, is not well-established. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess and contrast how balance training alone and resistance and balance training together affected the mobility, balance, muscular function, and functional independence of older adults with sarcopenia.
METHODS:
In a randomized control experiment, 50 elderly adults (60 years of age and older) who had been diagnosed with sarcopenia based on a SARC-CalF score of ≥11 were selected by simple random sampling. Two groups were randomly selected from among the participants. While Group B received a combined resistance and balance training program, Group A received an organized balance training program. Both groups received intervention for 8 weeks, both therapies were developed at low to moderate intensity and delivered under supervision. Among the outcome measures were the SARC-CalF questionnaire, which assessed muscle mass and function; the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), which assessed balance; the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, which assessed mobility and fall risk; and the Barthel Index, which assessed functional independence in daily living activities. Every outcome measure was evaluated before, at week 2, 4, 6 and after the intervention, i.e., week 8.
RESULTS:
After the intervention, both groups’ muscle function, balance, mobility, and functional independence significantly improved, according to statistical analysis (
CONCLUSION:
For older persons with sarcopenia, balance training alone and resistance and balance training together are safe, non-pharmacological, and effective ways to improve muscle function and functional results. But when combined with resistance training, balance training offers greater advantages in terms of enhancing mobility, independence, and balance in day-to-day activities and lowering the risk of falls. To promote healthy aging and enhance the quality of life for older persons with sarcopenia, the results of this study encourage the integration of combined resistance and balance training programs into standard geriatric physiotherapy practice and community-based rehabilitation programs.