Topic Editors

Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Headingley Campus, Fairfax Hall, Leeds LS6 3QS, UK
Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
Prof. Dr. James McKenna
Obesity Institute and Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK

Preventing and Managing Sarcopenia in Older Adults through Physical Activity, Exercise and Nutrition Interventions and Approaches

Abstract submission deadline
closed (31 October 2023)
Manuscript submission deadline
31 January 2024
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6924

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are delighted to invite you to contribute to this interdisciplinary multidisciplinary topic area in collaboration with Biology, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Nutrients, Journal of Clinical Medicine, Life, Healthcare and Geriatrics. The focus of this topic area is sarcopenia, a highly prevalent muscle-wasting disorder, especially in older adults who tend to suffer from poor nutrition and have reduced physical activity levels. The synergistic effect of exercise and dietary protein is paramount, but not exclusive, for the successful management of sarcopenia through optimization of muscle protein synthesis (MPS) rates. International expert groups such as the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism have long called for higher protein intakes in relation to the current recommended daily allowance (RDA), specifically for older adults with acute or chronic disease and those experiencing severe illness or injury. Alongside the importance of consuming sufficient dietary protein, effective sarcopenia management also depends on the quantity and quality of protein consumed on a “per meal” basis. Nevertheless, achieving a daily protein intake that exceeds the RDA presents a profound challenge for older adults, partly due to age-related anorexia. Other nutritional strategies or supplementation with certain nutrients (e.g., creatine, omega-3 fatty acids) may directly or indirectly influence MPS. Since exercise enhances the anabolic potential of nutrients, it is imperative that exercise interventions complement nutritional interventions where appropriate to optimize MPS.

The purpose of this investigation is to provide an overview of the most recent advances involving physical activity, exercise and nutrition for the optimal management and prevention of acute or chronic sarcopenia in older adults. We welcome original research articles and reviews from basic, clinical and translational research focusing on muscle quality and function, anabolic resistance, cognitive function, health-related quality of life and gut health.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Theocharis Ispoglou
Dr. Matthew Lees
Prof. Dr. James McKenna
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • skeletal muscle
  • healthy aging
  • sarcopenia
  • nutrition
  • protein nutrition
  • exercise metabolism
  • resistance exercise training
  • physical activity
  • appetite
  • body composition

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Biology
biology
4.2 4.0 2012 18.8 Days CHF 2700 Submit
Geriatrics
geriatrics
2.3 2.7 2016 19.6 Days CHF 1600 Submit
Healthcare
healthcare
2.8 2.7 2013 21.7 Days CHF 2700 Submit
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
ijms
5.6 7.8 2000 16.8 Days CHF 2900 Submit
Journal of Clinical Medicine
jcm
3.9 5.4 2012 19.7 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Life
life
3.2 2.7 2011 16.9 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Nutrients
nutrients
5.9 9.0 2009 14.7 Days CHF 2900 Submit

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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22 pages, 1745 KiB  
Article
Association of a Combination of Sarcopenia and Type 2 Diabetes with Blood Parameters, Nutrient Intake, and Physical Activity: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Nutrients 2023, 15(23), 4955; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15234955 - 29 Nov 2023
Viewed by 290
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the association of sarcopenia and type 2 diabetes (T2D) with blood parameters, nutrient intake, and physical activity in older Korean adults. We divided 2952 participants into four groups: sarcopenic diabetes (SD), sarcopenia alone (S), diabetes alone (D), and [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the association of sarcopenia and type 2 diabetes (T2D) with blood parameters, nutrient intake, and physical activity in older Korean adults. We divided 2952 participants into four groups: sarcopenic diabetes (SD), sarcopenia alone (S), diabetes alone (D), and non-sarcopenia and non-diabetes (NSND). Sarcopenia was defined by the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index, and T2D by fasting glucose levels or ongoing treatment. Blood samples were collected after an 8-h fast. Nutrient intake was assessed using a 24-h recall; physical activity was evaluated using a questionnaire. Compared with those in the other groups, the men in the S and SD groups showed significantly lower hemoglobin and hematocrit levels; vitamin D levels in men and parathyroid hormone levels in women were significantly lower in the SD group. Total energy, protein, and carbohydrate intakes were significantly lower in the SD and S groups than those in the D and NSND groups. Physical inactivity was significantly more common in the SD group (men: odds ratio, 1.61; women: odds ratio, 2.37) than in the NSND group. A combination of sarcopenia and diabetes as well as sarcopenia alone was associated with low levels of blood parameters, poor nutrient intake, and low physical activity. Full article
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12 pages, 319 KiB  
Article
Dynapenia and Sarcopenia in Post-COVID-19 Syndrome Hospitalized Patients Are Associated with Severe Reduction in Pulmonary Function
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(20), 6466; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12206466 - 11 Oct 2023
Viewed by 646
Abstract
Background: After hospital discharge, post-COVID-19 syndrome has been observed to be associated with impaired diffusing capacity, respiratory muscle strength, and lung imaging abnormalities, in addition to loss of muscle mass/strength, sarcopenia, and obesity impact exercise tolerance, pulmonary functions, and overall prognosis. However, the [...] Read more.
Background: After hospital discharge, post-COVID-19 syndrome has been observed to be associated with impaired diffusing capacity, respiratory muscle strength, and lung imaging abnormalities, in addition to loss of muscle mass/strength, sarcopenia, and obesity impact exercise tolerance, pulmonary functions, and overall prognosis. However, the relationship between lung function and the coexistence of obesity with low muscle strength and sarcopenia in post-COVID-19 patients remains poorly investigated. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the association between lung function and the coexistence of obesity with dynapenia and sarcopenia in post-COVID-19 syndrome patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study included subjects who were hospitalized due to moderate to severe COVID-19, as confirmed by PCR testing. Subjects who could not be contacted, declined to participate, or died before the follow-up visit were excluded. Results: A total of 711 subjects were evaluated; the mean age was 53.64 ± 13.57 years, 12.4% had normal weight, 12.6% were dynapenic without obesity, 8.3% had sarcopenia, 41.6% had obesity, 21.2% had dynapenic obesity, and 3.8% had sarcopenic obesity. In terms of pulmonary function, the dynapenic subjects showed decreases of −3.45% in FEV1, −12.61 cmH2O in MIP, and -12.85 cmH2O in MEP. On the other hand, the sarcopenic subjects showed decreases of −6.14 cmH2O in MIP and −11.64 cmH2O in MEP. The dynapenic obesity group displayed a reduction of −12.13% in PEF. Conclusions: In post-COVID-19 syndrome, dynapenia and sarcopenia—both with and without obesity—have been associated with lower lung function. Full article
12 pages, 443 KiB  
Article
Associations between Physical Activity and Kyphosis and Lumbar Lordosis Abnormalities, Pain, and Quality of Life in Healthy Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Healthcare 2023, 11(19), 2651; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11192651 - 29 Sep 2023
Viewed by 645
Abstract
Significant evidence suggests that regular physical activity (PA) leads to numerous physical and psychological outcomes in the elderly. This cross-sectional study was designed to further explore this issue by investigating the associations between PA (measured by accelerometer) and kyphosis and lumbar lordosis abnormalities, [...] Read more.
Significant evidence suggests that regular physical activity (PA) leads to numerous physical and psychological outcomes in the elderly. This cross-sectional study was designed to further explore this issue by investigating the associations between PA (measured by accelerometer) and kyphosis and lumbar lordosis abnormalities, pain, and quality of life (QoL) in the elderly. In this cross-sectional study, 163 older adults (73 women) over 65 years of age (mean age: 68.70 ± 3.09) from Russia acted as participants. The following instruments were used to measure research variables: ActiGraph wGT3X-BT for measuring PA, spinal-mouse for measuring kyphosis and lumbar lordosis abnormalities, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire for measuring QoL. Pain was measured using two questions. The Independent t-test and a regression analysis were used to analyze data. The results showed that our sample participated on average in 15.8 min of moderate PA (MPA) per day, which is lower than the recommended guidelines. Men were significantly more physically active than women. In addition, MPA was significantly associated with lower kyphosis and lumbar lordosis abnormalities and pain in older adults. Finally, MPA was significantly associated with higher QoL. These findings indicate that PA is a critical concern for the elderly. Accordingly, physical educators and fitness instructors should adopt appropriate strategies to promote an active lifestyle among older adults. Full article
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28 pages, 1166 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Nutraceuticals for the Treatment of Sarcopenic Obesity
Nutrients 2023, 15(17), 3854; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15173854 - 04 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1681
Abstract
Sarcopenic obesity, low muscle mass, and high body fat are growing health concerns in the aging population. This review highlights the need for standardized criteria and explores nutraceuticals as potential therapeutic agents. Sarcopenic obesity is associated with insulin resistance, inflammation, hormonal changes, and [...] Read more.
Sarcopenic obesity, low muscle mass, and high body fat are growing health concerns in the aging population. This review highlights the need for standardized criteria and explores nutraceuticals as potential therapeutic agents. Sarcopenic obesity is associated with insulin resistance, inflammation, hormonal changes, and reduced physical activity. These factors lead to impaired muscle activity, intramuscular fat accumulation, and reduced protein synthesis, resulting in muscle catabolism and increased fat mass. Myostatin and irisin are myokines that regulate muscle synthesis and energy expenditure, respectively. Nutritional supplementation with vitamin D and calcium is recommended for increasing muscle mass and reducing body fat content. Testosterone therapy decreases fat mass and improves muscle strength. Vitamin K, specifically menaquinone-4 (MK-4), improves mitochondrial function and reduces muscle damage. Irisin is a hormone secreted during exercise that enhances oxidative metabolism, prevents insulin resistance and obesity, and improves bone quality. Low-glycemic-index diets and green cardamom are potential methods for managing sarcopenic obesity. In conclusion, along with exercise and dietary support, nutraceuticals, such as vitamin D, calcium, vitamin K, and natural agonists of irisin or testosterone, can serve as promising future therapeutic alternatives. Full article
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11 pages, 445 KiB  
Article
Sarcopenia and Anemia in Elderly Koreans: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Healthcare 2023, 11(17), 2428; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11172428 - 30 Aug 2023
Viewed by 519
Abstract
Sarcopenia and anemia are common diseases in the elderly and are caused by various factors. In this study, the association between sarcopenia and anemia in an elderly Korean population was examined. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s cross-sectional, nationally representative Korea [...] Read more.
Sarcopenia and anemia are common diseases in the elderly and are caused by various factors. In this study, the association between sarcopenia and anemia in an elderly Korean population was examined. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s cross-sectional, nationally representative Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2008–2011) served as the source of the data for this study. Of the 2769 participants (1167 men and 1602 women) included in this study, a significant association was found between sarcopenia and anemia in the elderly in Korea. In Model 1, unadjusted for covariates, the prevalence of sarcopenia in all participants was 1.805 (95% CI 1.364–2.388) and 2.746 (95% CI 1.740–4.334) in men, and 1.494 (95% CI 1.045–2.138) in women. In Model 4, adjusted for all covariates, the prevalence of sarcopenia in all participants was 1.455 (95% CI 1.064–1.989) and 2.649 (95% CI 1.475–4.755) in men, but it was insignificant in women. While prior studies failed to consider variables such as exercise status and nutritional intake, this research incorporated these factors as covariates. Despite this comprehensive approach, this study still revealed an independent association between sarcopenia and anemia. Moreover, a significant association was uncovered among elderly men, with no corresponding association identified among women. Full article
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27 pages, 1550 KiB  
Review
A Narrative Review of Non-Pharmacological Strategies for Managing Sarcopenia in Older Adults with Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases
Biology 2023, 12(7), 892; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12070892 - 21 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2356
Abstract
This narrative review examines the mechanisms underlying the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and metabolic diseases (MDs), along with their association with sarcopenia. Furthermore, non-pharmacological interventions to address sarcopenia in patients with these conditions are suggested. The significance of combined training in managing [...] Read more.
This narrative review examines the mechanisms underlying the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and metabolic diseases (MDs), along with their association with sarcopenia. Furthermore, non-pharmacological interventions to address sarcopenia in patients with these conditions are suggested. The significance of combined training in managing metabolic disease and secondary sarcopenia in type II diabetes mellitus is emphasized. Additionally, the potential benefits of resistance and aerobic training are explored. This review emphasises the role of nutrition in addressing sarcopenia in patients with CVD or MDs, focusing on strategies such as optimising protein intake, promoting plant-based protein sources, incorporating antioxidant-rich foods and omega-3 fatty acids and ensuring sufficient vitamin D levels. Moreover, the potential benefits of targeting gut microbiota through probiotics and prebiotic fibres in sarcopenic individuals are considered. Multidisciplinary approaches that integrate behavioural science are explored to enhance the uptake and sustainability of behaviour-based sarcopenia interventions. Future research should prioritise high-quality randomized controlled trials to refine exercise and nutritional interventions and investigate the incorporation of behavioural science into routine practices. Ultimately, a comprehensive and multifaceted approach is essential to improve health outcomes, well-being and quality of life in older adults with sarcopenia and coexisting cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Full article
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