Non-pharmacological interventions for community-dwelling older adults with possible sarcopenia or sarcopenia: a scoping review

Abstract

Background: Sarcopenia is a progressive, age-related muscle disease that, if left untreated, imposes significant personal, social, and economic burdens.

Objective: To compile and document the nature and extent of existing studies exploring non-pharmacological interventions as a strategy to prevent or treat possible sarcopenia or sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults.

Method: Thirteen databases were searched up from January 2010 to March 2023 and filters were limited to English and Chinese language. Studies with older adults (≥60 y) in the community were included. The review was conducted and reported according to the PRISMA-ScR guidance and seven stages of methodology framework. A descriptive synthesis of trial characteristics and effectiveness was conducted.

Results: A total of 59 studies were included in the analysis. Most studies were RCTs. Few studies enrolled older adults with possible sarcopenia. The 70-79 age group has been studied more than any other age group. Six intervention types were identified, including exercise-only, nutrition-only, health education-only, traditional Chinese medicine-only, multicomponent intervention and control type. Majority of exercise-only interventions received resistance-based exercise. In nutrition-only category, overall food intervention or nutrients intervention was more than dietary pattern. Moreover, exercise plus nutrition was the main sub-type in multicomponent interventions. Health education-only and traditional Chinese medicine-only interventions were less frequently identified. Most studies had high and moderate compliance.

Conclusion: There is evidence for the effectiveness of exercise and exercise plus nutrition interventions in improving muscle strength and physical performance, whereas the effectiveness of other intervention types or their combinations requires additional research.

Scoping review registration: Open Science Framework (OSF) Registration DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/RK3TE.

Keywords: Community; Geriatrics; Non-pharmacological intervention; Possible sarcopenia; Sarcopenia; Scoping review.