Meta-analysis of dose-effect of exercise on improving muscle health in community-dwelling older adults with sarcopenia

Jiang Siqi; Huang Huanhuan; Yu Xinyu; Peng Ying; Zhou Wei; Zhao Qinghua

doi:10.12307/2025.791

Abstract：OBJECTIIVE:The positive role of exercise intervention in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia has received widespread attention,but the optimal exercise dose for elderly sarcopenic patients still needs to be further determined.The article explored the dose-effect relationship between various elements of exercise prescription and the improvement of muscle mass,muscle strength and physical function in community-dwelling elderly patients with sarcopenia,aiming to provide scientific support for the development of exercise prescription for community-dwelling elderly patients with sarcopenia. METHODS:Literature published from the inception to October 9,2024 in PubMed,EMBASE,Scopus,Web of Science,CNKI,WanFang,VIP,and CBMdisc databases was systematically searched.Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.Standardized mean difference(SMD)and its 95％CI were used as effect statistics. RESULTS:(1)A total of 11 randomized controlled trials were included,with 348 in the trial group and 304 in the control group.(2)Meta-analysis results showed that exercise improved appendicular skeletal muscle mass index,grip strength,and walking speed in elderly patients with sarcopenia(SMDs 0.46,0.63,0.67,P＜0.05).(3)When the frequency of exercise was 2-3 days/week,appendicular skeletal muscle mass index(SMD=0.57,95％CI:0.28-0.86,P＜0.001),grip strength(SMD=0.70,95％CI:0.37-1.02,P＜0.001),and walking speed(SMD=0.69,95％CI:0.20-1.18,P=0.006)were effectively improved in elderly patients with sarcopenia.(4)When the duration of exercise was 25-60 minutes per session,appendicular skeletal muscle mass index(SMD=0.28,95％CI:0.07-0.50,P=0.01),grip strength(SMD=0.37,95％CI:0.16-0.59,P＜0.001),and walking speed(SMD=0.39,95％CI:0.06-0.73,P=0.02)were effectively improved in elderly patients with sarcopenia.(5)When the exercise intensity was moderate,appendicular skeletal muscle mass index(SMD=0.69,95％CI:0.35-1.03,P＜0.001),and grip strength(SMD=0.36,95％CI:0.09-0.64,P=0.009),and walking speed(SMD=0.91,95％CI:0.34-1.47,P=0.002)were effectively improved in elderly patients with sarcopenia.(6)When the dose of exercise cycle was 8-12 weeks,appendicular skeletal muscle mass index(SMD=0.42,95％CI:0.20-0.64,P＜0.001),grip strength(SMD=0.45,95％CI:0.26-0.64,P＜0.001),and walking speed(SMD=0.76,95％CI:0.27-1.25,P=0.002)were effectively improved in elderly patients with sarcopenia. CONCLUSION:Active,regular exercise can improve muscle health in older adults with sarcopenia.It is recommended that older patients with sarcopenia exercise at least 2 to 3 days per week,25 to 60 minutes each time,lasting for 8 to 12 weeks of moderate intensity exercise to improve muscle health.