THE USE OF INULIN AND BUTYRIC ACID IN COMBINATION WITH PHYSICAL EXERCISE IN THE TREATMENT (SECONDARY PREVENTION) OF SARCOPENIA SYNDROME IN THE ELDERLY: A SIMPLE BLIND RANDOMIZED PLACEBO-CONTROLLED EFFICACY STUDY

Ushakov Maxim Alexandrovich, Pashkova Anna Alexandrovna

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of combined application of inulin and butyric acid in conjunction with physical exercises to enhance the treatment effectiveness of sarcopenia syndrome in the elderly. Methods: Within the framework of a single-center, randomized, simple-blind, placebo-controlled parallel study, men and women over the age of 65 diagnosed with sarcopenia and symptoms of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) dysfunction were selected. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: the study group (prebiotic intake and physical exercises) and the control group (placebo and physical exercises). Results: The analysis of results showed a statistically significant improvement in the group receiving prebiotics compared to the control group, including an increase in grip strength and an improvement in physical functionality. A reduction in symptoms of GIT dysfunction was also noted. Conclusions: The combined application of inulin and butyric acid with physical exercises can be an effective means of improving the condition of elderly individuals with sarcopenia, as well as for reducing gastroenterological symptoms. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Keywords:Sarcopenia, physical exercises, prebiotics, inulin, butyric acid, gut-muscle axis, elderly, functional ability, gut microbiota, Vivifrail