Effects of the Home-based Older People’s Exercise (HOPE) protocol on body composition and functional capacity of older Brazilians with sarcopenia: a randomized clinical trial

The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the Home-based Older People’s Exercise (HOPE) protocol in terms of body composition and functional capacity of sarcopenic older people living in the Federal District. Method: this was a randomized clinical trial with a convenience sample composed of elderly people with sarcopenia based on the criteria of the European Work Group of Sarcopenia on Older People (EWGSOP2). The sample was divided into two different groups: group 1 (G1) which did the HOPE protocol twice a week and the control group (G2) that received health education through weekly talks; both groups were monitored for 12 weeks. Body composition was measured using DXA (LUNAR®) and functional capacity was determined by measuring calf circumference, grip strength, gait speed, timed sit-to-stand and SPPB. Results: after the intervention, there was increased muscle mass mainly in the lower limbs in the HOPE group, with statistically significant intra- and inter-group values. With respect to functional capacity, the HOPE yielded significant scores when compared to the control group and before the intervention. Conclusion: The HOPE protocol was a low-cost functional training strategy that improved muscle mass and functional capacity in older people with sarcopenia.