Effect of non-pharmacological interventions on the prevention of sarcopenia in menopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Tan TW 1 , Tan HL 2 , Hsu MF 3 , Huang HL 4 , Chung YC 5

Affiliations 

  • 1 Department of Nursing, Hsinchu MacKay Memorial Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan
  • 2 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 3 Department of Nursing, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu, Taiwan
  • 4 Department of Healthcare Management, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu, Taiwan
  • 5 Department of Nursing, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu, Taiwan. yuchu@mail.ypu.edu.tw
BMC Womens Health, 2023 Nov 14;23(1):606.
PMID: 37964288 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02749-7

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is a chronic disease marked by gradual muscle system and functional decline. Prior research indicates its prevalence in those under 60 varies from 8 to 36%. There is limited evidence on the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for sarcopenia prevention in menopausal women aged 40-60. This study examines the influence of such interventions for sarcopenia prevention on these women.

METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PEDro, and Airiti Library were searched from inception until May 5, 2023. Randomized controlled trials that examined exercise, vitamin D and protein supplementation effects on muscle mass, strength, and physical function. Quality assessment used the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and analysis employed Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2.0.

RESULTS: A total of 27 randomized controlled trials, involving 1,989 participants were identified. Meta-analysis results showed exercise improved lean body mass (SMD = 0.232, 95% CI: 0.097, 0.366), handgrip strength (SMD = 0.901, 95% CI: 0.362, 1.441), knee extension strength (SMD = 0.698, 95% CI: 0.384, 1.013). Resistance training had a small effect on lean body mass, longer exercise duration (> 12 weeks) and higher frequency (60-90 min, 3 sessions/week) showed small to moderate effects on lean body mass. Vitamin D supplementation improved handgrip strength (SMD = 0.303, 95% CI: 0.130, 0.476), but not knee extension strength. There was insufficient data to assess the impact of protein supplementation on muscle strength.

CONCLUSIONS: Exercise effectively improves muscle mass, and strength in menopausal women. Resistance training with 3 sessions per week, lasting 20-90 min for at least 6 weeks, is most effective. Vitamin D supplementation enhances small muscle group strength. Further trials are needed to assess the effects of vitamin D and protein supplementation on sarcopenia prevention.

REGISTRATION NUMBER: This review was registered on PROSPERO CRD42022329273.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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