A 12-week multimodal exercise program combining Baduanjin and resistance-band training improves muscle health in older adults with sarcopenia: A randomized controlled trial.
Hongtao Hao, Qi Deng, Tancheng Jiang et al.
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In 30 seconds
This four-arm randomized controlled trial evaluated a 12-week community-based exercise program in 80 adults aged 60–84 years with sarcopenia; 65 completed follow-up. Participants were assigned to Baduanjin, resistance-band training, their combination, or control. Group-by-time interactions were significant for gait speed and Short Physical Performance Battery scores (both p ≤ 0.001). Gait speed improved only in the combined-exercise group, while all exercise groups had higher gait speed than control at Week 12. The combined program may improve functional performance and muscle health, although findings are limited by the modest sample and short follow-up.
Key findings
- Group-by-time interactions were significant for gait speed and SPPB (both p ≤ 0.001).
- Gait speed improved only with combined Baduanjin and resistance-band training; all exercise groups exceeded control at Week 12.
- SPPB improved in all exercise groups; Baduanjin and combined training scored higher than control at Week 12.
- ASMI showed a significant group-by-time interaction, while maximum grip strength did not; resistance-band and combined training increased ASMI.
Why it matters
Sarcopenia management seeks to address both physical function and muscle health. This trial suggests that a brief, frequent community-based program combining a functional exercise form with resistance-band training may benefit gait, physical performance, and some muscle measures. The results add evidence for an integrated exercise approach, while not establishing its longer-term effects or superiority over resistance-band training alone for all outcomes.
What to keep in mind
The study had a modest sample, short duration, no longer-term follow-up, and limitations in body-composition assessment.