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A 3-year longitudinal study on body composition changes in the elderly: Role of physical exercise

2005; Elsevier BV; Volume: 25; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.clnu.2005.10.013

1532-1983

Comasia A. Raguso, Ursula G. Kyle, Michel P. Kossovsky, Catherine E. Roynette, Ariane Paoloni‐Giacobino, Didier Hans, Laurence Genton, Claude Pichard,

Physical Activity and Health

Background Cross-sectional data have shown that sarcopenia and fat accumulation are associated with aging and can be limited by structured physical training. However, it is often difficult to maintain a long-term compliance to training programs. It is not clear whether leisure-time physical activity is effective in preventing sarcopenia and fat accumulation. Objectives (i) To investigate longitudinal body composition changes in a population of elderly people in good apparent health. (ii) To evaluate the impact of leisure-time physical activity on muscle mass and characteristic as reflected by total body potassium per fat-free soft tissue (TBK/FFST), and on fat accumulation. Design Longitudinal evaluation over 3 years, of body composition changes in 74 healthy men and 66 women, over 65 years old. Body fat and FFST were analyzed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and TBK by whole-body 40K counter. Physical activity was analyzed by a specific questionnaire. Results Despite a stable total body weight, FFST and appendicular skeletal muscle mass slightly decreased (−0.3±1.4 and −0.2±2.2kg, P < 0.0 1 , respectively) as well as the TBK/FFST (−4.1±6.3mmol/kg, P < 0.0 0 1 ), over the 3-year period. Body fat increased significantly (0.6±2.2kg, P < 0.0 0 0 1 ), and it accumulated mainly in the abdomen (0.4±1.5kg, P < 0.0 1 ). Multiple regression analysis showed that body composition changes were related mainly to body weight changes. Nevertheless, positive linear correlations were observed between the degree of engagement in leisure-time physical activity and FFST ( P < 0.0 1 ), appendicular skeletal muscle mass ( P < 0.0 5 ), TBK/FFST ( P < 0.0 5 ), whereas negative correlation was observed with total and truncal fat ( P < 0.0 1 ). Conclusions Mild but significant decline in muscle mass and its TBK content, and body fat accumulation were observed over a 3-year period in healthy elderly subject: leisure-time physical activity does not seem to prevent them. However, a higher level of physical activity is associated with higher muscle mass and TBK content, and less total and truncal fat.