Effects of branched-chain amino acid-rich nutritional supplements combined with resistance training on body composition and body function in older patients with sarcopenia.

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia impairs self-care ability in older adults. While branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)/leucine enhance muscle protein synthesis and resistance training promotes muscle growth, the combined effect on sarcopenia remains unclear. This meta-analysis evaluates whether combining resistance training with BCAA-rich supplements synergistically improves body composition and function in sarcopenic elders.

METHODS

We systematically searched four databases and analyzed outcomes using Stata 18.0. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated via random-effects models.

RESULTS

Twelve randomized trials (n = 459) were included. Only skeletal muscle index significantly improved with combined intervention vs. control (SMD = 0.337, 95 % CI [0.035,0.639], p = 0.029). No significant differences were found in: hand grip strength (SMD = 0.289, p = 0.080), 30-s chair stand (SMD = -0.794, p = 0.169), SPPB (SMD = -0.321, p = 0.124), walking speed (SMD = 0.344, p = 0.283), knee extension strength (SMD = 0.332,p = 0.328), total lean mass (SMD = 0.024, p = 0.908), or fat mass (SMD = -0.036, p = 0.866; all p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

BCAA supplementation post-resistance training only increased skeletal muscle index in older adults, without improving other functional or body composition outcomes.