Muscle Strength and Balance Training in Sarcopenic Elderly: A Pilot Study with Randomized Controlled Trial

In aging, there is a gradual decrease in muscle mass (sarcopenia) and muscle strength which contributes to a decline in physical functions, increased disability, frailty, and loss of independence. Physical activity can reduce functional decline due to aging. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) are needed to determine the effectiveness of different exercise stimuli on muscle strength and balance in the sarcopenic elderly. Forty male volunteers diagnosed with sarcopenia (CDCP) (70.9±5.2yrs) were enrolled in this study. A randomized, controlled trial, with blind assessment, was designed to study the effect of global sensorimotor, high intensity focused vibrational (intensity: 300Hz) and resistance training (intensity: 60–80% of maximum theoretical force, 10–12 repetitions for 3 sets) stimuli on muscle strength and balance confidence. The subjects were randomly assigned to three different training programs or a control group which was encouraged to maintain their habitual activity level. The training was perfo...