Community-based exercise and nutritional interventions to improve frailty syndrome among older adults: A quasi-experimental study

Geriatr Nurs. 2023 May-Jun:51:222-231. doi: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2023.03.016. Epub 2023 Apr 3.

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the efficacy of single and combined effects of exercise and branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplements on improving frailty and quality of life in older adults. In total, 120 study participants were allocated into a combined exercise-and-BCAA supplementation group, an exercise-only group, a BCAA supplementation-only group, and a control group. Results showed that Fried's frailty score significantly decreased in the combined exercise-and-BCAA supplementation group (β= -1.73, p<0.001), exercise-only group (β= -1.68, p<0.001), and BCAA supplementation-only group (β= -0.73, p=0.005) compared to the control group. Moreover, the combination of exercise and BCAA supplements and the exercise-only program produced significant improvements in frailty compared to the BCAA supplement-only group and control group (p<0.05). Exercise should be a critical approach for older adults to improve frailty. Healthcare professionals in geriatric care should incorporate exercise programs as frailty management and prevention for older adults.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04777279.

Keywords: BCAA; Exercise; Frailty; Nutrition supplement; Quality of life.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Amino Acids, Branched-Chain
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Exercise
  • Frail Elderly
  • Frailty*
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life

Substances

  • Amino Acids, Branched-Chain

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT04777279