Deepening physical exercise intervention protocols for older people with sarcopenia: a literature review

The main aim is to provide an overview of the effectiveness of different types of physical exercise in improving sarcopenia. Secondary aim is to classify exercise into four phases according to the severity of sarcopenia.The main aim is to provide an overview of the effectiveness of different types of physical exercise in improving sarcopenia. Secondary aim is to classify exercise into four phases according to the severity of sarcopenia.

A literature review was conducted in the Pubmed database. The inclusion criteria were studies written in English or Spanish and published between 2019 and 2023. The content had to specify that physical exercise improved sarcopenia or his symptoms: strength, muscular mass, or physical performance. We excluded all those studies that, despite having significant results, did not describe the exercises used.

A total of 16 studies met the eligibility criteria. Advanced sarcopenia should be treated primarily with resistance and flexibility exercises, plus educational sessions; medium sarcopenia should be treated primarily with resistance, balance and aerobic exercises, plus education; mild sarcopenia intervention should include resistance, balance and aerobic exercises, with the option of including cognitive intervention or specific activities such as Pilates or Yoga. The same intervention, with greater intensity, should be prescribed to prevent sarcopenia. The minimum duration of intervention should be 8 weeks and two sessions per week, depending on the severity of sarcopenia.

An effective intervention to improve sarcopenia should include a multimodal programme that includes education, cognitive exercises and a wide range of physical exercise interventions, predominantly strength and aerobic exercises, and to a lesser extent balance and flexibility exercises. Intervention needs to be individualised in relation to the degree of sarcopenia of the individual.

Exercise prescription should be considered, discussed and prescribed, with progress monitored like any other medical treatment. This can best be achieved through referral to physiotherapists specialising in ageing and therapeutic exercise.