A 3-year longitudinal study on body composition changes in the elderly: Role of physical exercise

Abstract

Background: Cross-sectional data have shown that sarcopenia and fat accumulation are associated with aging and can be limited by structured physical training. However, it is often difficult to maintain a long-term compliance to training programs. It is not clear whether leisure-time physical activity is effective in preventing sarcopenia and fat accumulation. Objectives: (i) To investigate longitudinal body composition changes in a population of elderly people in good apparent health. (ii) To evaluate the impact of leisure-time physical activity on muscle mass and characteristic as reflected by total body potassium per fat-free soft tissue (TBK/FFST), and on fat accumulation. Design: Longitudinal evaluation over 3 years, of body composition changes in 74 healthy men and 66 women, over 65 years old. Body fat and FFST were analyzed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and TBK by whole-body 40K counter. Physical activity was analyzed by a specific questionnaire. Results: Despite a stable total body weight, FFST and appendicular skeletal muscle mass slightly decreased (-0.3±1.4 and -0.2±2.2 kg, P < 0.0 1, respectively) as well as the TBK/FFST (-4.1±6.3 mmol/kg, P < 0.0 0 1), over the 3-year period. Body fat increased significantly (0.6±2.2 kg, P < 0.0 0 0 1), and it accumulated mainly in the abdomen (0.4±1.5 kg, P < 0.0 1). Multiple regression analysis showed that body composition changes were related mainly to body weight changes. Nevertheless, positive linear correlations were observed between the degree of engagement in leisure-time physical activity and FFST (P < 0.0 1), appendicular skeletal muscle mass (P < 0.0 5), TBK/FFST (P < 0.0 5), whereas negative correlation was observed with total and truncal fat (P < 0.0 1). Conclusions: Mild but significant decline in muscle mass and its TBK content, and body fat accumulation were observed over a 3-year period in healthy elderly subject: leisure-time physical activity does not seem to prevent them. However, a higher level of physical activity is associated with higher muscle mass and TBK content, and less total and truncal fat. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism.