Abstract
BACKGROUND: The Otago Exercise Program (OEP) is suitable for frail older adults but has limited effect on sarcopenia. Resistance training (RT) is commonly used for sarcopenia. This study evaluated the effects of 12 weeks of OEP combined with RT on body composition, physical function, quality of life, and frailty in older adults with pre-sarcopenia in nursing homes. METHODS: Sixty-one pre-frail elderly (aged 65-89 years) with sarcopenia were randomly divided into experimental group (EG) and control group (CG). EG received OEP+RT training three times a week for 12 weeks, and CG maintained daily activities. The InBody 770 was used to assess body composition, Jamar Plus was used to measure grip strength, and international standard scales were used to assess physical function, quality of life and frailty. RESULTS: Compared to the CG, the EG showed significant improvements in Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI: 5.79 vs 5.43, p=0.037), Skeletal Muscle Mass (21.8 vs 19.5, p=0.017), hand grip strength (19.31 vs 16.92, p=0.029), gait speed (0.9 vs 0.81, p<0.001), and the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test (13 vs 14.35, p<0.001). Within the EG, both SMI and hand grip strength increased significantly compared to baseline levels (p<0.001), whereas in the CG, they decreased significantly (p<0.05). There was no significant improvement in frailty status observed in either group. CONCLUSION: OEP combined with RT can improve the sarcopenia-related parameters of the elderly in nursing homes. Short-term unreversed frailty may be related to insufficient intervention intensity or single dimension. Improved muscle and physical function may contribute to future improvements in quality of life and frailty.