In 2004, a study by Bunout, et. al., aimed to evaluate the effects of a year-long program involving both nutritional supplementation and resistance training on muscle strength and walking capacity among elderly individuals. With aging, maintaining muscle strength and mobility becomes increasingly crucial for maintaining overall health and independence. Thus, understanding the potential benefits of such interventions is essential for promoting healthy aging.

The study recruited elderly participants from two outpatient clinics, who were then divided into groups receiving a nutritional supplement providing 400 Kcal, 15 g of protein, and 50% of recommended daily vitamin values (DRVs). Half of the participants also engaged in a resistance exercise training program comprising two sessions per week. Assessments were conducted every six months, focusing on body composition using DEXA, limb muscle strength, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures, and walking capacity.

Out of 149 eligible subjects, 101 completed the year-long follow-up. Compliance rates were moderate, with approximately 48-22% adherence to the supplement and 56-21% attendance at training sessions. Notably, there were no significant changes in fat-free mass across all groups, although fat mass increased in all participants. However, trained individuals, regardless of supplementation, experienced significant improvements in upper and lower limb strength and walking capacity. Additionally, those who received both supplementation and training demonstrated increases in maximal inspiratory pressure and grip strength in the right hand.

The findings of this study underscore the beneficial effects of resistance training on muscle strength and walking capacity in elderly individuals. Moreover, the additional impact of nutritional supplementation, particularly in conjunction with training, on specific measures of strength suggests a potential synergistic effect. These results emphasize the importance of multifaceted interventions, including both exercise and nutritional support, in promoting healthy aging and preserving functional independence among older adults.

Reference: Bunout, D., Barrera, G., De La Maza, P., Avendano, M., Gattas, V., Petermann, M., & Hirsch, S. (2004). Effects of nutritional supplementation and resistance training on muscle strength in free living elders. Results of one year follow. Journal of Nutrition Health and Aging, 8(2), 68-75.