Impact of Traditional Chinese Exercise and Resistance Band Training on Sarcopenia in the Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of various exercise interventions on skeletal muscle mass and physical function in elderly sarcopenic patients. Methods: Eighty elderly individuals diagnosed with sarcopenia and undergoing physical examinations in Xiangtan City between November 2022 and April 2023, were selected through convenient sampling. Participants were randomly assigned to four groups using the random number method: Baduanjin group, resistance band group, mixed exercise group, and control group, with 20 individuals in each. The Baduanjin group engaged in traditional Baduanjin exercises, the resistance band group participated in resistance band training, and the mixed exercise group performed a combination of both interventions. Each intervention was conducted three times per week, with sessions lasting 30 minutes, for a total duration of 12 weeks. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), handgrip strength (HGS), gait speed (GS), short physical performance battery (SPPB) scores, and timed up - and - go test (TUGT) were measured through pre - and post - assessments. Results: The pre-intervention analysis revealed no significant differences in indicators among the four groups. Post-intervention intra-group comparisons indicated varying degrees of improvement in ASM, ASMI, HGS, GS, TUGT, and total SPPB scores in the Baduanjin, resistance band, and mixed exercise groups ( P< 0.05). Notably, the balance score within the SPPB subscale exhibited a significant increase in the Baduanjin group ( P< 0.05). GS and SST scores showed marked enhancement in the resistance band and mixed exercise groups ( P< 0.05). Moreover, changes in HGS, gait speed, and TUGT were significantly greater in the resistance band and mixed exercise groups compared to the control group ( P< 0.05). Inter-group comparisons of variations revealed that ASM and ASMI improvements in the resistance band group significantly surpassed those in the control group ( P< 0.05), while no significant differences were observed in comparison with the other two intervention groups ( P> 0.05). Additionally, the SPPB variation in the resistance band group exceeded that of the control group ( P< 0.05). Conclusion: Baduanjin demonstrated a substantial enhancement in balance function among sarcopenic patients, while resistance band exercises and mixed exercises contributed to notable gains in ASM and overall physical performance.