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Interventions for Body Composition and Upper and Lower Extremity Muscle Strength in Older Adults in Rural Taiwan: A Horizontal Case Study

Author

Listed:
  • Chun-An Chen

    (Ph.D. Program of Technology Management, Chung Hua University, Hsinchu 30012, Taiwan)

  • Ming-Chi Lai

    (Ph.D. Program of Technology Management, Chung Hua University, Hsinchu 30012, Taiwan)

  • Hsuan Huang

    (Department of Occupational Therapy, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701401, Taiwan)

  • Cheng-En Wu

    (Ph.D. Program of Technology Management, Chung Hua University, Hsinchu 30012, Taiwan)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand the effects of a physical activity program and high-protein supplementation on body composition and upper and lower extremity muscle strength in male older adults in rural areas. In this study, 60 healthy male older adults (mean age 77.5 ± 4.6 years) from rural areas were recruited and randomly assigned to experimental group A (intervention of the physical activity program and high-protein supplementation), experimental group B (daily routine, with only intervention of high-protein supplementation), or control group C (daily routine). Experimental group A (EGa) carried out a physical activity plan three times a week, with an exercise intensity and calorie consumption of 250 kcal (5METs × ⅔hr × 75) for 3 months and drank a high-protein supplement (1.3 g/kg BW/day) after each exercise; experimental group B (EGb) followed only the intervention of high-protein supplementation. All the participants underwent pre- and post-tests for body composition, waist–hip circumference (WC, HC), handgrip strength (HS), 30 s dominant arm curl, 30 s sit to stand, and 2 min step tests. The results of the study showed that EGa significantly decreased body mass index (BMI), body fat mass (BFM), body fat percentage (BFP), WC, HC, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and increased basal metabolic rate and muscle mass. Although both EGa and EGb used high-protein supplementation, EGa’s added three-month intervention of a physical activity program made it easier for that group to increase muscle mass and muscle strength. The WHR decreased from 1.015 to 0.931, representing a decrease of 8.28%, and an obvious weight loss effect was achieved. Thus, we concluded that the best way to maintain muscle strength in older adults is through physical activity with resistance and protein supplementation, which can reduce muscle loss in older adults.

Suggested Citation

  • Chun-An Chen & Ming-Chi Lai & Hsuan Huang & Cheng-En Wu, 2022. "Interventions for Body Composition and Upper and Lower Extremity Muscle Strength in Older Adults in Rural Taiwan: A Horizontal Case Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-14, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:13:p:7869-:d:848748
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Megan E. Gandy & Kacie M. Kidd & James Weiss & Judith Leitch & Xavier Hersom, 2021. "Trans*Forming Access and Care in Rural Areas: A Community-Engaged Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-13, December.
    2. Eszter Füzéki & Winfried Banzer, 2018. "Physical Activity Recommendations for Health and Beyond in Currently Inactive Populations," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-10, May.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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