Muscle Makers: A 10-Week Strength and Nutrition Program for Sarcopenia

Abstract

Aim
Sarcopenia, a progressive muscle loss condition in older adults, contributes to disability, frailty, and falls. This study evaluated the efficacy of the Muscle Makers programme, a 10 week physiotherapy-led Progressive Resistance Training (PRT) intervention with clinical nutrition input, in improving mobility, strength, and balance.

Methods
Forty-four community-dwelling older adults with probable sarcopenia (median SARC-F: 4; range: 0–8) completed a 10-week programme of weekly PRT sessions and fortnightly group based nutrition education. Functional outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Five Times Sit-to-Stand (5TSTS) tests.

Results
Participants (median age: 80; range: 66–92; 20 males, 24 females) attended a median of 8.1 sessions (81.2% attendance). Significant improvements were seen in Timed Up and Go (TUG), with median times decreasing from 15.96s (range: 7.32–60.95) to 12.09s (5.78–23.6), a reduction of 2.6s (−9.03 to 41.06; p < 0.01). Five Times Sit to Stand (5TSTS) times also improved, from a median of 18s (10.18–40) to 12.43s (7.3–23), a reduction of 5.5s (−0.4 to 17; p < 0.01).

Discussion
This programme significantly improved strength and mobility. These results support the integration of targeted exercise and nutrition interventions into routine care for sarcopenia related functional decline and fall prevention.