Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a combined intervention involving resistance exercise and nutritional support in improving grip strength, walking speed, and skeletal muscle density among elderly individuals suffering from sarcopenia. Data from a cohort of 500 elderly sarcopenic patients were segregated into observation and control cohorts based on distinct treatment modalities. Baseline evaluations included weight, grip strength, walking speed, and skeletal muscle density. Changes in these parameters and oxidative stress markers were monitored and compared at 1-, 3-, and 6-month intervals. Baseline grip strength for the observation and control groups stood at (20.25 ± 2.34) and (21.06 ± 2.97) kg, respectively. Walking speed was measured at (0.99 ± 0.12) and (0.98 ± 0.20) m/s, respectively. Skeletal muscle density registered (42.98 ± 4.17) and (42.77 ± 5.02) Hu for the observation and control groups, respectively, while muscle mass index was recorded as (6.19 ± 1.46) and (6.20 ± 1.68) kg/m2, respectively. Limb skeletal muscle mass for both cohorts was (16.83 ± 3.57) and (16.77 ± 3.89) kg. No significant disparities were discerned in baseline characteristics between the groups. Following 1, 3, and 6 months, the observation group exhibited marked enhancements in grip strength and walking speed (P < .05), with substantially superior grip strength compared to the control cohort (P < .05). Notably, skeletal muscle density, muscle mass index, and limb skeletal muscle mass exhibited significant augmentation in the observation group (P < .05), while no significant alterations were observed in the control cohort. Oxidative stress-related parameters displayed no notable differences between groups pretreatment (P > .05). Post-treatment, levels of Hcy, IFN-γ, and MDA markedly decreased in both groups, with considerably lower levels evident in the observation cohort (P < .05). Moreover, SOD levels exhibited significant post-treatment increments in both groups, with markedly higher levels observed in the observation group (P < .05). An integrated approach of resistance exercise and nutritional support significantly enhances grip strength, walking speed, and skeletal muscle density in elderly patients with sarcopenia, contributing to better prognoses and improved quality of life.