Supplementation with β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate after resistance training in post-acute care patients with sarcopenia: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

Delky Meza-Valderrama, Dolores Sánchez-Rodríguez, Monique Messaggi-Sartor, Elena Muñoz-Redondo, Andrea Morgado-Pérez, Marta Tejero-Sánchez, Elisabet De Jaime-Gil, Nuria Leiva-Banuelos, Ester Marco

Journal: Archives of gerontology and geriatrics 2024;119():105323

PMID: 38171034

Abstract

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of adding β-hydroxy-β- methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation to a 12-week exercise-based rehabilitation program in older adults with sarcopenia after discharge from a post-acute geriatric rehabilitation unit.

STUDY DESIGN

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with two parallel groups. The intervention group received 3 g/day of Ca-HMB and participated in a 12- week resistance training program (3 sessions/week). The control group received a placebo and followed the same training program.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcomes were the improvements of handgrip strength and physical performance assessed through the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and 4-meter gait speed; and handgrip strength. All variables were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 1-year follow-up.

RESULTS

After completing the 12-week exercise program, the intervention group showed significant improvements in SPPB-Balance (1.3, 95 %CI 0.3 to 2.4) and total SPPB score (2.2, 95 %CI 0.4 to 4.0). Intra-group analysis demonstrated gains in the SPPB-Chair Stand (0.7 points, 95 %CI 0.0 to 1.4) and total SPPB score (2.1 points, 95 %CI 0.3 to 3.9) in the intervention group. Improvements in handgrip strength were observed in women (3.7 kg, 95 %CI: 0.2 to 7.3) at the end of the intervention, and persisted at the 1-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the supplementation of 3 g/day of Ca-HMB with resistance exercise may significantly enhance muscle strength and physical performance among older women with sarcopenia after recent hospitalization. Given this study's limitations, the intervention's effectiveness cannot be drawn, and further studies are needed.

Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Address: Rehabilitation Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Dr. Aiguader 80, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, National Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vía Centenario, 0819 Panamá City, Panamá; Sistema Nacional de Investigación- Secretaria Nacional de Ciencia e Investigación, Clayton Ciudad del Saber Edificio 205, 0819 Panamá City, Panamá. Electronic address: [email protected].; Rehabilitation Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Dr. Aiguader 80, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Geriatrics Department, Brugmann University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Place A.Van Gehuchten 4, 1020 Brussels, Belgium; WHO Collaborating Center for Public Health aspects of musculoskeletal health and ageing. Division of Public Health, Epidemiology and Health Economics, University of Liège, Pl. du Vingt Août 7, 4000, Liège, Belgium.; Rehabilitation Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Dr. Aiguader 80, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department. Hospital del Mar - Centre Esperança. Sant Josep de la Muntanya 12, 08024 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.; Geriatrics Department, Hospital del Mar - Centre Fòrum, Carrer de Llull 410, 08019, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.; Rehabilitation Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Dr. Aiguader 80, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department. Hospital del Mar - Centre Esperança. Sant Josep de la Muntanya 12, 08024 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Dr Aiguader Building (Mar Campus), Dr. Aiguader 80, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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