Effects of Functional Training on Sarcopenia in Elderly Women in the Presence or Absence of ACE Inhibitors

Abstract

Sarcopenia, defined as loss of muscle mass and strength, develops gradually with aging or after chronic disease. Efforts are ongoing to identify the best interventions that can slow down or stop sarcopenia. Nutrition-based interventions and exercise therapy may be beneficial; however, pharmacotherapy also could play a role. The effect of ACE inhibitors on physical performance is controversial. The present study investigates the impact of functional training on sarcopenia in the presence or absence of ACEi in elderly females. A total of 35 women over 65 years of age were selected for two groups on the basis that they were taking ACEi (n = 18) or not (n = 17). All subjects conducted a training program two times a week for 6 months. We examined various factors related to sarcopenia. After completing the short physical performance battery (SPPB) test, we found a significant improvement after 6 months of functional training. SPPB values of the ACEi group were significantly lower at the beginning of the study; however, we observed no difference between the SPPB results of the two groups after the training period. We conducted further studies to measure posture and spine mobility. Our Schober and Cobra test results revealed significantly improved spine mobility (both flexor and extensor) in both groups after 6 months of training. Furthermore, the grip strength of the hands, studied by an electric dynamometer, was significantly improved in both groups at the end of the training period. Our results indicated that functional training may improve body composition and muscle strength in patients diagnosed with sarcopenia. Furthermore, ACEi may be a helpful additional therapy in older adult patients suffering from severe sarcopenia.

Effects of High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) on the Functional Capacity, Frailty, and Physical Condition of Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

“…This structure is similar to that used in acute HIFT sessions, where increased levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and blood lactate were observed after exercise [ 35 ], favoring muscle adaptations related to muscle growth [ 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 ]. This is consistent with other interventions where functional training improved components of strength in older adults [ 40 , 41 ].…”

Is functional training an efficient approach to improve body composition in older people? A systematic review

“…We can see that only one study included older men in the sample, presenting a percentage of 9.4% of the total sample in that study ( Manini et al, 2007 ). The other studies included in this review evaluated only women ( Wiszomirska et al, 2015 ; Resende-Neto et al, 2019a ; Resende-Neto et al, 2019b ; Mile et al, 2021 ). Three studies included in our review ( Manini et al, 2007 ; Resende-Neto et al, 2019a ; Resende-Neto et al, 2019b ) compared FT with protocols of traditional resistance training.…”

“… Wiszormiscka et al (2015) compared FT among older with young women. Finally, Mile et al (2021) compared the effects of FT with and without the administration of ACE inhibitors.…”

Interventions to Improve Physical Capability of Older Adults with Mild Disabilities: A Case Study

“…Sarcopenia is common for older adults with mild disabilities. It may lead to slow walking, wheelchair walking, weakness, and tremors in upper limbs [ 14 , 15 ]. Sarcopenia is a muscle disease which is characterized by a loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength.…”

“…The gradual shrinkage of ROM is a signal that the body is deteriorating. Although ROM shrinkage does not constitute an injury, the loss of muscle mass over time due to limited mobility can lead to sarcopenia [ 15 , 17 , 34 , 35 ].…”