Effects of comprehensive care combined with nutrition and exercise interventions on nutrition parameters and balance ability in older adult patients with sarcopenia: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

We aim to explore the impacts of comprehensive nursing care combined with nutrition and exercise interventions on nutrition parameters and balance ability in older adult patients with sarcopenia.

METHODS

This was a randomized controlled trial with 100 older adult patients with sarcopenia split into control (underwent routine nursing) and intervention (received comprehensive nursing plus nutrition and exercise interventions) groups (n = 50 each). Preintervention and postintervention bone metabolism markers, physical function, grip strength, appendicular skeletal muscle mass index, balance and gait ability, nutrition status, and quality of life were assessed. Patient satisfaction with nursing care was compared between groups.

RESULTS

Primary indicators: postintervention, both groups improved in gait/balance and nutrition, with the intervention group excelling. Significant group × time interactions were found (gait/balance: F = 39.640-303.484, P < 0.001, ηP2 = 0.288-0.756; nutrition: F = 14.855-107.323, P < 0.001, ηP2 = 0.132-0.523). Secondary indicators: both groups improved in bone metabolism (25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and alkaline phosphatase), physical function, and quality of life, with the intervention group showing superior results. Significant group × time interactions were also observed (bone metabolism: F = 72.721-18.673, P < 0.001, ηP2 = 0.426-0.160; physical function: F = 866.322-168.097, P < 0.001, ηP2 = 0.898-0.632; quality of life: F = 907.259-570.078, P < 0.001, ηP2 = 0.903-0.853). The intervention group had higher patient satisfaction with nursing (χ2 = 14.581, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Comprehensive nursing care combined with nutrition and exercise interventions effectively improves nutrition parameters and balance ability in older adult patients with sarcopenia.