title: Correction of protein-energy malnutrition in older adults: effects of a short-term aerobic training program.
abstract: Twenty malnourished subjects (average age 67 years old) treated by cyclic enteral nutrition were assigned to an active or control group according to whether they took part or not in a 3-week aerobic training program. Subjects underwent the following tests on d(0)-d(1) and d(20)-d(21): calculation of a global nutritional deficiency index (GND), bioelectrical impedance analysis, evaluation of daily energy expenditures using a 24 h heart rate (HR) recorder and a pedometer, maximal voluntary isometric strength assessment (MVIS), and symptoms limited maximal oxygen uptake ((.)VO(2 max. SL) estimation. Although energy intakes were similar in both groups, active subjects showed greater improvements (P < 0.05) than control subjects regarding GND (-9.8 vs -4.8%), serum albumin and prealbumin. Active subjects also showed a greater increase (P < 0.05) in pedometer readings compared to control subjects. Reduction of resting HR was observed in active (-5 beat/mn, P < 0.05) whereas no significant changes in average HR were noted in either group, reflecting increased metabolic activity. Compared to control, active subjects showed significant (P < 0.05) improvements in MVIS (0.8 vs 0.1 N/kg) and (.)VO(2 max. SL) (5.5 vs 1.4 mL/min/kg). Short-term aerobic training has positive effects on nutritional recovery and functional capacities in elderly malnourished subjects and should be recommended whenever possible.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Exercise Biology and Biomechanics, University of Nice Sophia-Antipolis, France.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bermon
authors.forename: X
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Hébuterne
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Peroux
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Marconnet
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rampal