AUTHOR=Kemmler Wolfgang , Weineck Markus , Kohl Matthias , von Stengel Simon , Giessing Jürgen , Fröhlich Michael , Schoene Daniel 

TITLE=High Intensity Resistance Exercise Training to Improve Body Composition and Strength in Older Men With Osteosarcopenia. Results of the Randomized Controlled Franconian Osteopenia and Sarcopenia Trial (FrOST)

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Sports and Active Living

VOLUME=Volume 2 - 2020

YEAR=2020

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2020.00004

DOI=10.3389/fspor.2020.00004

ISSN=2624-9367

ABSTRACT=Considerably decreased muscle mass and function are subsumed under “sarcopenia”, a geriatric syndrome. Dedicated exercise programs maintain muscle mass and function; however, due to the limited enthusiasm of older adults to exercise, it is important to generate low-threshold interventions for this vulnerable cohort. Thus, the primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of low volume/high intensity resistance exercise training (HIT-RT) combined with protein supplementation on body composition and strength in older men with sarcopenia and osteopenia (osteosarcopenia).
Forty-three community-dwelling (cdw) older men (78±4 years) with osteosarcopenia were randomly allocated to a consistently supervised HIT-RT (n=21) or an inactive control group (CG, n=22). HIT-RT scheduled a single set protocol with high intensity and effort applied twice a week for 36 weeks so far. Both groups were supplemented with Vit-D (800 IE/d), calcium (1000 mg/d) and whey-protein (CG: 1.2 vs. HIT-RT: 1.5-1.7 g/kg/d). Study endpoints were body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) and maximum isokinetic hip/leg-extensor strength (MIES) by leg-press.
After 36 weeks, one participant who developed prostate cancer after inclusion in the study (HIT-RT) and two participants who lost interest (CG, HIT-RT) quit the study. Attendance rate for HIT-RT averaged 93±5%. Total and thigh lean body mass (LBM) significantly (p<.001) increased in the HIT-RT and was maintained in the CG (p=.46 and .37). Differences between the groups for changes of total and thigh LBM were pronounced (p<.001; SMD d´=1.17 and 1.20). Total and abdominal body fat percentage decreased significantly in the HIT-RT (p<.001) and increased in the CG (p=0.039 and p=0.097). Intergroup differences were significant (p<.001; SMD: d´=1.35 and 1.28). Finally, MIES was maintained in the CG (p=.860), and improved significantly (p<.001) in the HIT-RT. Differences between the groups were significant (p<.001, SMD: d´=2.41). No adverse effects of the intervention were observed. 
In summary, the HIT-RT/protein protocol significantly affected body composition and strength in cdw men 72 years+ with osteosarcopenia. In the absence of negative side effects, the intervention was feasible, attractive and time effective. Thus, we conclude that supervised HIT-RT might be an exercise option for older men.