Author(s): EBRAHIMPOUR NOSRANI, S., BAUTMANS, I., MATEUS, A., MENDES, F., TEIXEIRA, A.M., Institution: 1.UNIVERSITY OF COIMBRA (UC) 2.VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL (VUB), Country: PORTUGAL, Abstract-ID: 1167

INTRODUCTION:
In the pathophysiology of sarcopenia, muscle fatigability and inflammation play key roles [1]. Aging is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation marked by an imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, increasing the risk of adverse health outcomes.
Multicomponent exercise, combining aerobic, resistance, and balance training, seems an effective strategy to improve physical fitness and manage sarcopenia in older adults. We hypothesized that a 12-week multicomponent program integrating TRX suspension exercises as resistance training would reduce inflammation and improve grip strength and muscle endurance in older adults with sarcopenia.

METHODS:
Thirty-eight older women (75.13 ± 9.21 years) at risk of sarcopenia, screened using EWGSOP2 criteria, were randomly assigned to a multicomponent exercise group (EG; n=18) or a control group (CG; n=20). Muscle strength, assessed by maximal handgrip strength, and muscle endurance (grip work, calculated from fatigue resistance and maximal grip strength) were evaluated before and after the exercise program using an Eforto® device [1]. Pro-inflammatory (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10, IL-1RA) cytokines were measured pre- and post-intervention using ELISA.
RESULTS:
Linear mixed-effects models examined the effects of Time, Group, and their interaction. Significant Group × Time interactions were observed for IL-1ra [F(1,35.3) =4.33, p=0.045], increasing in exercise (+18.9%) and decreasing in controls (−5.2%); IL-6 [F(1,35) =25.55, p<0.001], decreasing in exercise (−18%) and increasing in controls (+18%); TNF-α [F(1,32.65) =5.39, p=0.027], decreasing in exercise (−6.4%) and increasing in controls (+7.8%); and IL-10/TNF-α ratio [F(1,36) =4.35, p=0.044], increasing in exercise (+5.7%) and decreasing in controls (−34.6%). Functional outcomes also improved in exercise versus controls, including maximal grip strength [F(1,32.01)=6.33, p=0.017], grip work [F(1,32.07) =5.62, p=0.024; +40.4% vs −2.3%], and fatigue resistance [F(1,32.27) =6.06, p=0.019; +36.2% vs −3.4%]. No significant interactions were found for IL-1 or IL-10.
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, the TRX integrating multicomponent exercise program induced favorable anti-inflammatory adaptations and improved muscle strength and endurance in older women at risk of sarcopenia, supporting its use as an effective management strategy for sarcopenia.