Effects of protein supplementation combined with resistance exercise on body composition and physical function in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Journal
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Journal Volume
106
Journal Issue
4
Pages
1078-1091
Date Issued
2017
Author(s)
Abstract
Background: Overweight and obese older people face a high risk of muscle loss and impaired physical function, which may contribute to sarcopenic obesity. Resistance exercise training (RET) has a beneficial effect on muscle protein synthesis and can be augmented by protein supplementation (PS). However, whether body weight affects the augmentation of muscular and functional performance in response to PS in older people undergoing RET remains unclear. Objective: This study was conducted to identify the effects of PS on the body composition and physical function of older people undergoing RET. Design: We performed a comprehensive search of online databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the efficacy of PS for lean mass gain, strength gain, and physical mobility improvements in older people undergoing RET. Results: We included 17 RCTs; the overall mean 6 SD age and body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2) in these RCTs were 73.4 6 8.1 y and 29.7 6 5.5, respectively. The participants had substantially greater lean mass and leg strength gains when PS and RET were used than with RET alone, with the standard mean differences (SMDs) being 0.58 (95% CI: 0.32, 0.84) and 0.69 (95% CI: 0.39, 0.98), respectively. The subgroup of studies with a mean BMI $30 exhibited substantially greater lean mass (SMD: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.19, 0.87) and leg strength (SMD: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.42, 1.34) gains in response to PS. The subgroup of studies with a mean BMI,30 also exhibited relevant gains in response to PS. Conclusions: Compared with RET alone, PS combined with RET may have a stronger effect in preventing aging-related muscle mass attenuation and leg strength loss in older people, which was found in studies with a mean BMI $30 and in studies with a mean BMI,30. Clinicians could use nutrition supplement and exercise strategies, especially PS plus RET, to effectively improve the physical activity and health status of all older patients. ? 2017 American Society for Nutrition.
SDGs
Other Subjects
casein; leucine; milk protein; protein; whey protein; protein intake; Article; body composition; body mass; Cochrane Library; diet supplementation; Embase; human; leg muscle; Medline; meta analysis; muscle mass; muscle strength; PEDro; physical mobility; protein intake; randomized controlled trial (topic); resistance training; sarcopenic obesity; systematic review; aged; body composition; dietary supplement; drug effects; female; fitness; male; metabolism; middle aged; muscle; obesity; pharmacology; physiology; protein intake; sarcopenia; very elderly; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Body Composition; Dietary Proteins; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muscle Strength; Muscles; Obesity; Physical Fitness; Resistance Training; Sarcopenia
Publisher
American Society for Nutrition
Type
journal article