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Review
. 2023 Jun 21;12(7):892.
doi: 10.3390/biology12070892.

A Narrative Review of Non-Pharmacological Strategies for Managing Sarcopenia in Older Adults with Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases

Theocharis Ispoglou  1 , Oliver Wilson  1 , Deaglan McCullough  1 , Luke Aldrich  1 , Panagiotis Ferentinos  1 , Gemma Lyall  1 , Antonios Stavropoulos-Kalinoglou  1 , Lauren Duckworth  1 , Meghan A Brown  1 , Louise Sutton  1 , Alexandra J Potts  1 , Victoria Archbold  1 , Jackie Hargreaves  1 , Jim McKenna  1
Affiliations
Review

A Narrative Review of Non-Pharmacological Strategies for Managing Sarcopenia in Older Adults with Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases

Theocharis Ispoglou et al. Biology (Basel). .

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 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.

Keywords: aerobic training; behaviour change; cardiovascular disease; metabolic diseases; nutrition; obesity; resistance training; sarcopenia.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Risk factors for sarcopenia. The figure was created with BioRender.com (Accessed on 1 February 2023).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Multidisciplinary approaches to address sarcopenia in older adults with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The figure was created with BioRender.com (accessed on 15 March 2023).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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