Effectiveness of modified strengthening and postural control exercise combinations on sarcopenia

Abstract

Sarcopenia is an age-related loss of muscle mass and strength that affects physical function and increases fall risk. Exercise interventions may help improve muscle-related outcomes. This study aimed to determine the effect of a combination of strengthening and postural control exercises on sarcopenia in older adults. A quasi-experimental design without a control group was conducted among 30 older adults aged ≥60 years. Sarcopenia was assessed using muscle mass measurements, anthropometric measurements, and Manual Muscle Testing (MMT). The intervention consisted of a modified exercise program combining strengthening and postural control exercises. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The majority of participants were female (80%) with a mean age of 65.33 ± 4.46 years. Following the 4-week exercise intervention, significant improvements in muscle strength were observed across all assessed muscle groups (p < 0.05), with moderate-to-large effect sizes (r = 0.39–0.75). The largest effects were observed in the vastus lateralis (r = 0.75), hamstrings (r = 0.70), and vastus medialis (r = 0.64). Significant improvements in anthropometric indicators of muscle mass reduction were also found at the patella (p = 0.034, r = 0.39) and 5 cm above the patella (p = 0.004, r = 0.52), whereas other measurement sites showed no significant changes. The modified strengthening and postural control exercise intervention has been shown to assist the elderly in managing sarcopenia by increasing lower-body muscle mass and enhancing muscle strength in the vastus medialis and lateralis, rectus femoris, hamstrings, and gluteus maximus and medius. This serves as a physiotherapy strategy to prevent physical decline in the elderly population.