Functional exercise circuit with dual task training on clinical outcomes related to sarcopenia in older adults: a nonrandomized controlled trial

Introduction: Most of exercise interventions to prevent sarcopenia have focused on individuals with sarcopenia or pre-sarcopenia. The effect of functional exercise with dual task on clinical variables of sarcopenia, have not been studied previously. Objective: This study analyzed the effects of a functional exercise program with dual task compared to aerobic exercise on outcomes related to sarcopenia, in older adults without clinical suspicion of sarcopenia. Methodology: This was a nonrandomized controlled trial (Registration: RBR-2HJJ7G/UTN:U1111-1254-3147). Forty-eight older adults were allocated into two interventions: 1) functional exercise circuit (FEC) with dual-task and 2) aerobic exercise. Both interventions were conducted for 12 weeks, 3 times a week, 50 minutes each session. Clinical suspicion of sarcopenia was determined by the algorithm of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. Measurements of fat-free mass, fat mass, calf circumference, handgrip strength, 5-repetition sit-to stand, 4-meter gait speed, six-minute walking test and oxidative stress blood biomarkers were assessed before and after both interventions. Analyzes were performed using the SPSS version 22.0 and JAPS version 0.16.1. Results: Fat-free mass (p=0.049) and calf circumference (p<0.001) increased, and fat mass (p=0.017) reduced after FEC (ES: 0.1-0.6). Both groups showed improvement in the 5-repetition sit-to stand, 4-meter gait speed, six-minute walking test (p< 0.05 for all). All antioxidant biomarkers increased after FEC (ES: 0.2-0.6; p< 0.05 for all). Conclusion: Our study showed that FEC with dual task training improved muscle mass, muscle strength, physical performance, and antioxidant capacity, which are important outcomes related to sarcopenia.