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Association between Levocarnitine Treatment and the Change in Knee Extensor Strength in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Post-Hoc Analysis of the Osaka Dialysis Complication Study (ODCS).
Matsufuji, S, Shoji, T, Lee, S, Yamaguchi, M, Nishimura, M, Tsujimoto, Y, Nakatani, S, Morioka, T, Mori, K, Emoto, M
Nutrients. 2022;(2)
Abstract
Carnitine deficiency is prevalent in patients undergoing hemodialysis, and it could result in lowered muscle strength. So far, the effect of treatment with levocarnitine on lower limb muscle strength has not been well described. This observational study examined the association between treatment with levocarnitine with the change in knee extensor strength (KES) in hemodialysis patients. Eligible patients were selected from the participants enrolled in a prospective cohort study for whom muscle strength was measured annually. We identified 104 eligible patients for this analysis. During the one-year period between 2014 to 2015, 67 patients were treated with intravenous levocarnitine (1000 mg per shot, thrice weekly), whereas 37 patients were not. The change in KES was significantly higher (p = 0.01) in the carnitine group [0.02 (0.01-0.04) kgf/kg] as compared to the non-carnitine group [-0.02 (-0.04 to 0.01) kgf/kg]. Multivariable-adjusted regression analysis showed the positive association between the change in KES and the treatment with levocarnitine remained significant after adjustment for the baseline KES and other potential confounders. Thus, treatment with intravenous levocarnitine was independently and positively associated with the change in KES among hemodialysis patients. Further clinical trials are needed to provide more solid evidence.
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The MoveStrong program for promoting balance and functional strength training and adequate protein intake in pre-frail older adults: A pilot randomized controlled trial.
Rodrigues, IB, Wang, E, Keller, H, Thabane, L, Ashe, MC, Brien, S, Cheung, AM, Funnell, L, Jain, R, Loong, D, et al
PloS one. 2021;(9):e0257742
Abstract
BACKGROUND Balance and functional strength training can improve muscle strength and physical functioning outcomes and decrease the risk of falls in older adults. To maximize the benefits of strength training, adequate protein intake is also important. However, the number of older individuals that consume enough protein or routinely engage in strength training remains low at less than 5% and even lower for activities that challenge balance. Our primary aim was to assess the feasibility of implementing a model (MoveStrong) of service delivery to teach older adults about balance and functional strength training and methods to increase protein intake. METHODS This study was a closed cohort stepped wedge randomized controlled trial. We recruited individuals ≥60 years considered pre-frail or frail with at least one chronic condition who were not currently engaging in regular strength training from Northern (rural) and Southern (urban) Ontario sites in Canada. The primary outcome was feasibility of implementation, defined by recruitment, retention, and adherence, and safety (defined by monitoring adverse events). We also reported participants' and providers' experience with MoveStrong, adaptations to the model based on participant's and provider's experience, and program fidelity. RESULTS We recruited 44 participants to the study and the average adherence rate was 72% with a retention of 71%. The program had a high-fidelity score. One person experienced a fall-related injury during exercise, while two other participants reported pain during certain activities. Five individuals experienced injuries or health problems that were not related to the program. Suggestions for future trials include modifying some exercises, exploring volunteer assistance, increasing the diversity of participants enrolled, and considering a different study design. CONCLUSIONS Our pilot trial demonstrates the feasibility of recruitment and adherence for a larger multisite RCT of balance and functional strength training with attention to protein intake in pre-frail and frail older adults.
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Repeated Application of a Novel Creatine Cream Improves Muscular Peak and Average Power in Male Subjects.
Whinton, AK, Donahoe, K, Gao, R, Thompson, KMA, Aubry, R, Saunders, TJ, Johnston, A, Chilibeck, PD, Burr, JF
Journal of strength and conditioning research. 2020;(9):2482-2491
Abstract
Whinton, AK, Donahoe, K, Gao, R, Thompson, KMA, Aubry, R, Saunders, TJ, Johnston, A, Chilibeck, PD, and Burr, JF. Repeated application of a novel creatine cream improves muscular peak and average power in male subjects. J Strength Cond Res 34(9): 2482-2491, 2020-Using a multicenter, randomized controlled trial, (N = 123, age 23 ± 4 years) we sought to determine whether administration of a novel, topical creatine supplement could improve muscular performance after acute and repeated (7-day) exposure. To study the acute performance enhancing effects of the supplement, subjects completed 5 sets of 15 maximal concentric single-leg knee extensions with and without the application of a low- (low dose [LD]-3.5 ml) or high-dose (high dose [HD]-7 ml) topical creatine cream. After a wash-out period, subjects had one leg randomized to receive either the creatine or placebo cream, with further randomization into an oral creatine or placebo supplement group. Subjects completed 5 sets of 15 maximal concentric single leg knee extensions before and after the supplementation protocol. After acute application, no significant differences in peak power (LD: 252 ± 93 W, HD: 261 ± 100 W, p = 0.21), average power (LD: 172 ± 65 W, HD: 177 ± 69 W, p = 0.78), or fatigue index (LD: 13.4 ± 10.6%, HD: 14 ± 11.9%, p = 0.79) were observed between experimental and placebo creams (peak power: LD: 244 ± 76 W, HD: 267 ± 109 W; average power: LD: 168 ± 57 W, HD: 177 ± 67 W; fatigue index: LD: 12.4 ± 9.6%, HD: 12.8 ± 10.6%) or when controlling for sex. After the 7-day supplementation protocol, a significant increase in average power (creatine: 203 ± 61-220 ± 65 W, placebo: 224 ± 61-214 ± 61 W) and peak power (creatine: 264 ± 73-281 ± 80 W, placebo: 286 ± 79-271 ± 73 W) in the leg receiving creatine cream was observed in male subjects. No differences were observed in female subjects. The topical creatine cream did not enhance measures of muscle performance after acute application, but was able to improve peak and average power in male subjects after 7 consecutive days of application.
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Iron deficiency in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and its association with reduced exercise capacity, muscle strength and quality of life.
Bekfani, T, Pellicori, P, Morris, D, Ebner, N, Valentova, M, Sandek, A, Doehner, W, Cleland, JG, Lainscak, M, Schulze, PC, et al
Clinical research in cardiology : official journal of the German Cardiac Society. 2019;(2):203-211
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) in outpatients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and its relation to exercise capacity and quality of life (QoL) is unknown. METHODS 190 symptomatic outpatients with HFpEF (LVEF 58 ± 7%; age 71 ± 9 years; NYHA 2.4 ± 0.5; BMI 31 ± 6 kg/m2) were enrolled as part of SICA-HF in Germany, England and Slovenia. ID was defined as ferritin < 100 or 100-299 µg/L with transferrin saturation (TSAT) < 20%. Anemia was defined as Hb < 13 g/dL in men, < 12 g/dL in women. Low ferritin-ID was defined as ferritin < 100 µg/L. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to E/e' at echocardiography: E/e' ≤ 8; E/e' 9-14; E/e' ≥ 15. All patients underwent echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX), 6-min walk test (6-MWT), and QoL assessment using the EQ5D questionnaire. RESULTS Overall, 111 patients (58.4%) showed ID with 89 having low ferritin-ID (46.84%). 78 (41.1%) patients had isolated ID without anemia and 54 patients showed anemia (28.4%). ID was more prevalent in patients with more severe diastolic dysfunction: E/e' ≤ 8: 44.8% vs. E/e': 9-14: 53.2% vs. E/e' ≥ 15: 86.5% (p = 0.0004). Patients with ID performed worse during the 6MWT (420 ± 137 vs. 344 ± 124 m; p = 0.008) and had worse exercise time in CPX (645 ± 168 vs. 538 ± 178 s, p = 0.03). Patients with low ferritin-ID had lower QoL compared to those without ID (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION ID is a frequent co-morbidity in HFpEF and is associated with reduced exercise capacity and QoL. Its prevalence increases with increasing severity of diastolic dysfunction.
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Effects of daily vitamin D supplementation on respiratory muscle strength and physical performance in vitamin D-deficient COPD patients: a pilot trial.
Rafiq, R, Prins, HJ, Boersma, WG, Daniels, JM, den Heijer, M, Lips, P, de Jongh, RT
International journal of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 2017;:2583-2592
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although vitamin D is well known for its function in calcium homeostasis and bone mineralization, several studies have shown positive effects on muscle strength and physical function. In addition, vitamin D has been associated with pulmonary function and the incidence of airway infections. As vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, supplementation might have a beneficial effect in these patients. OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation on respiratory muscle strength and physical performance in vitamin D-deficient COPD patients. Secondary outcomes are pulmonary function, handgrip strength, exacerbation rate, and quality of life. METHODS We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial. Participants were randomly allocated to receive 1,200 IU vitamin D3 per day (n=24) or placebo (n=26) during 6 months. Study visits were conducted at baseline, and at 3 and 6 months after randomization. During the visits, blood was collected, respiratory muscle strength was measured (maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure), physical performance and 6-minute walking tests were performed, and handgrip strength and pulmonary function were assessed. In addition, participants kept a diary card in which they registered respiratory symptoms. RESULTS At baseline, the mean (standard deviation [SD]) serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration (nmol/L) was 42.3 (15.2) in the vitamin D group and 40.6 (17.0) in the placebo group. Participants with vitamin D supplementation had a larger increase in serum 25(OH)D compared to the placebo group after 6 months (mean difference (SD): +52.8 (29.8) vs +12.3 (25.1), P<0.001). Primary outcomes, respiratory muscle strength and physical performance, did not differ between the groups after 6 months. In addition, no differences were found in the 6-minute walking test results, handgrip strength, pulmonary function, exacerbation rate, or quality of life. CONCLUSION Vitamin D supplementation did not affect (respiratory) muscle strength or physical performance in this pilot trial in vitamin D-deficient COPD patients.
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Effects of combined exercise training and electromyostimulation treatments in chronic heart failure: A prospective multicentre study.
Iliou, MC, Vergès-Patois, B, Pavy, B, Charles-Nelson, A, Monpère, C, Richard, R, Verdier, JC, ,
European journal of preventive cardiology. 2017;(12):1274-1282
Abstract
Background Exercise training as part of a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation is recommended for patients with cardiac heart failure. It is a valuable method for the improvement of exercise tolerance. Some studies reported a similar improvement with quadricipital electrical myostimulation, but the effect of combined exercise training and electrical myostimulation in cardiac heart failure has not been yet evaluated in a large prospective multicentre study. Purpose The aim of this study was to determine whether the addition of low frequency electrical myostimulation to exercise training may improve exercise capacity and/or muscular strength in cardiac heart failure patients. Methods Ninety-one patients were included (mean age: 58 ± 9 years; New York Heart Association II/III: 52/48%, left ventricular ejection fraction: 30 ± 7%) in a prospective French study. The patients were randomised into two groups: 41 patients in exercise training and 50 in exercise training + electrical myostimulation. All patients underwent 20 exercise training sessions. In addition, in the exercise training + electrical myostimulation group, patients underwent 20 low frequency (10 Hz) quadricipital electrical myostimulation sessions. Each patient underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test, a six-minute walk test, a muscular function evaluation and a quality of life questionnaire, before and at the end of the study. Results A significant improvement of exercise capacity (Δ peak oxygen uptake+15% in exercise training group and +14% in exercise training + electrical myostimulation group) and of quality of life was observed in both groups without statistically significant differences between the two groups. Mean creatine kinase level increased in the exercise training group whereas it remained stable in the combined group. Conclusions This prospective multicentre study shows that electrical myostimulation on top of exercise training does not demonstrate any significant additional improvement in exercise capacity in cardiac heart failure patients.
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Nutritional Supplementation With Physical Activity Improves Muscle Composition in Mobility-Limited Older Adults, The VIVE2 Study: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Englund, DA, Kirn, DR, Koochek, A, Zhu, H, Travison, TG, Reid, KF, von Berens, Å, Melin, M, Cederholm, T, Gustafsson, T, et al
The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences. 2017;(1):95-101
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Nutritional supplementation and physical activity have been shown to positively influence muscle mass and strength in older adults. The efficacy of long-term nutritional supplementation in combination with physical activity in older adults remains unclear. METHODS Mobility-limited (short physical performance battery [SPPB] ≤9) and vitamin D insufficient (serum 25(OH) D 9-24 ng/mL) older adults were recruited for this study. All subjects participated in a physical activity program. Subjects were randomized to consume a daily nutritional supplement (150 kcal, 20 g whey protein, 800 IU vitamin D, 119 mL beverage) or placebo (30 kcal, nonnutritive, 119 mL). In a prespecified secondary analysis, we examined total-body composition (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry), thigh composition (computed tomography), and muscle strength, power, and quality before and after the 6-month intervention. RESULTS One hundred and forty-nine subjects were randomized into the study [mean (standard deviation, SD) age 78.5 (5.4) years; 46.3% female; mean (SD) short physical performance battery 7.9 (1.2); mean (SD) vitamin D 18.7 (6.4) ng/mL]. After the intervention period both groups demonstrated improvements in muscle strength, body composition, and thigh composition. Nutritional supplementation lead to further losses of intermuscular fat (p = .049) and increased normal muscle density (p = .018). CONCLUSIONS Six months of physical activity resulted in improvements in body composition, subcutaneous fat, intermuscular fat, and strength measures. The addition of nutritional supplementation resulted in further declines in intermuscular fat and improved muscle density compared to placebo. These results suggest nutritional supplementation provides additional benefits to mobility-limited older adults undergoing exercise training. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01542892.
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The Vitality, Independence, and Vigor in the Elderly 2 Study (VIVE2): Design and methods.
Kirn, DR, Koochek, A, Reid, KF, von Berens, Å, Travison, TG, Folta, S, Sacheck, J, Nelson, M, Liu, C, Phillips, E, et al
Contemporary clinical trials. 2015;:164-71
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nutritional supplementation may potentiate the increase in skeletal muscle protein synthesis following exercise in healthy older individuals. Whether exercise and nutrition act synergistically to produce sustained changes in physical functioning and body composition has not been well studied, particularly in mobility-limited older adults. METHODS The VIVE2 study was a multi-center, randomized controlled trial, conducted in the United States and Sweden. This study was designed to compare the effects of a 6-month intervention with a once daily, experimental, 4 fl.oz. liquid nutritional supplement providing 150 kcal, whey protein (20 g), and vitamin D (800 IU) (Nestlé Health Science, Vevey, Switzerland), to a low calorie placebo drink (30 kcal, non-nutritive; identical format) when combined with group-based exercise in 150 community-dwelling, mobility-limited older adults. All participants participated in a structured exercise program (3 sessions/week for 6 months), which included aerobic, strength, flexibility, and balance exercises. RESULTS The primary outcome was 6-month change in 400 m walk performance (m/s) between supplement and placebo groups. Secondary outcomes included 6 month change in: body composition, muscle cross-sectional area, leg strength, grip strength, stair climb time, quality of life, physical performance, mood/depressive symptoms and nutritional status. These outcomes were selected based on their applicability to the health and well-being of older adults. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study will further define the role of nutritional supplementation on physical functioning and restoration of skeletal muscle mass in older adults. Additionally, these results will help refine the current physical activity and nutritional recommendations for mobility-limited older adults.
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Muscle strength in youth and cardiovascular risk in young adulthood (the European Youth Heart Study).
Grøntved, A, Ried-Larsen, M, Møller, NC, Kristensen, PL, Froberg, K, Brage, S, Andersen, LB
British journal of sports medicine. 2015;(2):90-4
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether muscle strength in youth is related to cardiovascular risk later in life independent of cardiorespiratory fitness is unclear. METHODS We examined the independent association of isometric muscle strength in youth with cardiovascular risk factors in young adulthood using data from the Danish European Youth Heart Study; a population-based prospective cohort study among boys and girls (n=332) followed for up to 12 years. In youth maximal voluntary contractions during isometric back extension and abdominal flexion were determined using a strain-gauge dynamometer and cardiorespiratory fitness was obtained from a maximal cycle ergometer test. Cardiovascular risk factors were obtained in youth and in young adulthood. Associations were examined using multivariable-adjusted regression models including major confounding factors. RESULTS Each 1 SD difference in isometric muscle strength in youth (0.17 N/kg) was inversely associated with body mass index (BMI; -0.60 kg/m(2), 95% CI -0.97 to -0.22), triglyceride (-0.09 mmol/l, 95% CI -0.16 to -0.02), diastolic blood pressure (BP) (-1.22 mm Hg, 95% CI -2.15 to -0.29) and a composite cardiovascular risk factor score (-0.61 SD, 95% CI -1.03 to -0.20) in young adulthood in multivariable-adjusted analyses including fitness. Associations to triglyceride, diastolic BP and the cardiovascular risk factor score remained with additional adjustment for waist circumference or BMI. Each 1 SD difference in isometric muscle strength in youth was significantly associated with 0.59 (95% CI 0.40 to 0.87) lower odds of general overweight/obesity in young adulthood (p=0.007) and was marginally associated with incident raised BP, raised triglyceride and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that greater isometric muscle strength in youth is associated with lower levels of cardiovascular risk factors in young adulthood independent of fitness, adiposity and other confounding factors.
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Effectiveness of a primary care based multifactorial intervention to improve frailty parameters in the elderly: a randomised clinical trial: rationale and study design.
Romera, L, Orfila, F, Segura, JM, Ramirez, A, Möller, M, Fabra, ML, Lancho, S, Bastida, N, Foz, G, Fabregat, MA, et al
BMC geriatrics. 2014;:125
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frailty is a highly prevalent condition in old age leading to vulnerability and greater risk of adverse health outcomes and disability. Detecting and tackling frailty at an early stage can prevent disability. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a multifactorial intervention program to modify frailty parameters, muscle strength, and physical and cognitive performance in people aged 65 years or more. It also assesses changes from baseline in falls, hospitalizations, nutritional risk, disability, institutionalization, and home-care. METHODS/DESIGN The current study is a randomised single-blind, parallel-group clinical trial, with a one and a half year follow-up, conducted in eight Primary Health Care Centres located in the city of Barcelona. Inclusion criteria are to be aged 65 years or older with positive frailty screening, timed get-up-and-go test between 10 to 30 seconds, and Cognition Mini-Exam (MEC-35) of Lobo greater than or equal to 18. A total of 352 patients have been equally divided into two groups: intervention and control. Sample size calculated to detect a 0.5 unit difference in the Short Physical Performance Battery (Common SD: 1.42, 20% lost to follow-up). In the intervention group three different actions on frailty dimensions: rehabilitative therapy plus intake of hyperproteic nutritional shakes, memory workshop, and medication review are applied to sets of 16 patients. Participants in both intervention and control groups receive recommendations on nutrition, healthy lifestyles, and home risks.Evaluations are blinded and conducted at 0, 3, and 18 months. Intention to treat analyses will be performed. Multivariate analysis will be carried out to assess time changes of dependent variables. DISCUSSION It is expected that this study will provide evidence of the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary intervention on delaying the progression from frailty to disability in the elderly. It will help improve the individual's quality of life and also reduce the rates of falls, hospital admissions, and institutionalizations, thus making the health care system more efficient. This preventive intervention can be adapted to diverse settings and be routinely included in Primary Care Centres as a Preventive Health Programme. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov PRS: NCT01969526. Date of registration: 10/21/2013.