E. Marzetti, R. Calvani, M. Tosato, M. Cesari, M. Di Bari, A. Cherubini, M. Broccatelli, G. Savera, M. D’Elia, M. Pahor, R. Bernabei, F. Landi, on behalf of the SPRINTT Consortium
Aging Clin Exp Res Epub 2017 Feb 10
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The identification of cost-effective interventions that improve the health status and prevent disability in old age is one of the most important public health challenges. Regular physical activity is the only intervention that has consistently been shown to improve functional health and energy balance and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, several cancers, depression and falls. In advanced age, physical activity is also effective at mitigating sarcopenia, restoring robustness, and preventing/delaying the development of disability. On the other hand, physical inactivity is recognized as one of the leading causes of several chronic degenerative diseases and is also a major contributing factor to sarcopenia and functional disability. This compelling evidence has prompted the World Health Organization to recommend engaging in regular physical activity throughout one’s life course. The present review summarizes the available evidence in support of physical activity as a remedy against physical frailty and sarcopenia. The relevant pathways through which the benefits of physical activity are conveyed are also discussed.
Comment: Accumulating evidence supports regular physical activity, in combination with appropriate nutritional support, as the most effective strategy for improving sarcopenia and physical function and preventing disability. The SPRINTT trial will provide evidence of the efficacy of long-term moderate-intensity physical activity, as part of a MCI, in preventing mobility disability and several adverse health outcomes in older persons with physical frailty and sarcopenia, who are at risk of disability. SPRINTT will be the largest and longest trial of its kind performed in Europe and its findings are expected to promote significant advancements in the management of frail older persons with sarcopenia from both clinical and healthcare perspectives.