Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the comprehensive intervention effects of transfer energy capacitive and resistive (TECAR) therapy combined with β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) nutritional supplementation in older patients with sarcopenic obesity (SO). METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial, enrolling 140 older patients who met the Asian diagnostic criteria for SO. Participants were randomly assigned to 4 groups, including a double-placebo group (Group A), TECAR + placebo group (Group B), sham TECAR + HMB group (Group C), and TECAR + HMB group (Group D), with 35 patients in each group. The intervention lasted 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the total score of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Secondary outcome indicators included the modified Barthel Index (MBI), scores of the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF), handgrip strength, body mass, and body mass index (BMI). A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess the interaction effects between TECAR and HMB. RESULTS: After the intervention, Group D (TECAR + HMB) demonstrated significant improvements across all metrics. The SPPB total score increased from 6.29 ± 1.34 to 8.06 ± 1.51 (P < 0.001), with notable enhancements in walking speed (2.71 ± 0.86 vs. 1.97 ± 0.82), chair stand (2.60 ± 0.55 vs. 2.11 ± 0.47), and balance (2.74 ± 0.74 vs. 2.20 ± 0.76). MBI improved from 71.74 ± 14.41 to 79.91 ± 10.52 (P < 0.001). Handgrip strength increased from (13.65 ± 5.05) kg to (15.72 ± 4.89) kg (P = 0.001). Body mass decreased from (81.78 ± 9.02) kg to (76.95 ± 9.89) kg (P < 0.001), and BMI reduced from (30.14 ± 1.68) kg/m(2) to (28.34 ± 2.33) kg/m(2) (P < 0.001). Interaction analysis revealed significant synergistic effects between TECAR and HMB in improving the SPPB total scores (F = 16.374, P < 0.001, η² = 0.107) and reducing BMI (F = 14.328, P < 0.001, η² = 0.095). CONCLUSION: TECAR therapy combined with HMB supplementation significantly enhances physical function, activities of daily living, and body composition in elderly patients with sarcopenic obesity, demonstrating a synergistic effect.