Objective
To compare the results of different modalities of physical exercises on the sarcopenia diagnostic criteria in older people.
Methods
Systematic review of systematic reviews. Search strategy included older people and sarcopenia MeSh, performed at mainly databases. Selected studies include older adults, submitted to physical training (Intervention Group: IG) compared to control groups (CG). Quantitative analyses with the inverse variance statistic method (random effects). The effect measures mean difference. Heterogeneity measured with Q-Test.
Results
494 systematic reviews found. After screening, 5 were included (48 papers. n=3,877). Mean age: 74.02±6.1. 73.44% female. Mean interventions duration: 17.38 weeks (average: 2.56 weekly sessions). AMSTAR and PRISMA showed high methodological quality. Meta-analyses compared results of resistance training interventions (RTA) with other than resistance (Non-resistance Training interventions: NRTA). Handgrip strength, skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and gait speed showed statistically significant differences (SSD) favorable to IG. In chair stand test, RTA showed SSD favorable to the IG, and NRTA to CG. The timed-up-and-go do not showed SSD.
Discussion
The SMM and strength showed better results in RTA, although the confidence intervals (CI) overlap. Both valences can be trained with similar volume and training intensity, which can modify muscle volume and strength. Physical performance obtained better results in NRTA, even with CI overlap. For severely sarcopenic, training including more than one valence may be best. In sarcopenia diagnosis most studies do not take into account the consensuses of standardization, making hard the larger groups analysis.
Conclusion
Being part of any training program can be beneficial for sarcopenia in older people, with resistance training better for strength and SMM, and mixed modalities for physical performance.