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Meta-Analysis
. 2024:46:e2024030.
doi: 10.4178/epih.e2024030. Epub 2024 Feb 14.

The effectiveness of protein supplementation combined with resistance exercise programs among community-dwelling older adults with sarcopenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Phatcharaphon Whaikid  1 , Noppawan Piaseu  1
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

The effectiveness of protein supplementation combined with resistance exercise programs among community-dwelling older adults with sarcopenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Phatcharaphon Whaikid et al. Epidemiol Health. 2024.

Abstract

Objectives: The combination of protein supplementation and resistance exercise shows promise for improving and maintaining muscle mass, strength, and performance in older adults with sarcopenia. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of this combination on muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance in community-dwelling older adults with sarcopenia.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of 4 electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the MEDLINE Library. The search covered literature from January 2013 to January 2023 and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Two independent reviewers assessed the methodological quality of each study using the standard critical appraisal tool from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Meta-analysis was performed with the JBI Sumari program.

Results: The review included 7 randomized controlled trials and 1 quasi-experimental study, encompassing a total of 854 participants aged 60 years and above. The study durations ranged from 10 weeks to 24 weeks. An analysis of standardized mean differences (SMDs) showed that protein supplementation combined with resistance exercise significantly increased muscle mass (SMD, 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13 to 1.78; p<0.05) and muscle strength (SMD, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.56; p<0.05).

Conclusions: Although the limited number of randomized controlled trials restricts the robustness of our conclusions, the evidence suggests that protein supplementation combined with resistance exercise is effective in enhancing muscle mass and strength in community-dwelling older adults with sarcopenia.

Keywords: Community; Meta-analysis; Protein supplementation; Resistance exercise; Sarcopenia.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare for this study.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) diagram showing selection of study for systematic review and meta-analysis.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Forest plot of protein supplementation (PS) combined with resistance exercise (RE) on (A) muscle mass and (B) muscle strength in older adults aged 60 years and above. SD, standard deviation; CI, confidence interval; df, degrees of freedom.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Forest plot of protein supplementation (PS) combined with resistance exercise (RE) on (A) physical performance (5-chair stand test) and (B) physical performance (gait speed) in older adults aged 60 years and above. SD, standard deviation; CI, confidence interval; df, degrees of freedom.
None
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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