title: Effect of Oral Beta-Hydroxy-Beta-Methylbutyrate (HMB) Supplementation on Physical Performance in Healthy Old Women Over 65 Years: An Open Label Randomized Controlled Trial.
abstract: Although older people are particularly liable to sarcopenia, limited research is available on beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation in this population, particularly in healthy subjects. In this parallel-group, randomized, controlled, open-label trial, we aimed to evaluate whether an oral supplement containing 1.5 g of calcium HMB for 8 weeks could improve physical performance and muscle strength parameters in a group of community-dwelling healthy older women. Eighty healthy women attending a twice-weekly mild fitness program were divided into two equal groups of 40, and 32 of the treated women and 33 control completed the study. We considered a change in the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score as the primary outcome and changes in the peak torque (PT) isometric and isokinetic strength of the lower limbs, 6-minute walking test (6MWT), handgrip strength and endurance as secondary outcomes. Body composition was assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and peripheral quantitative computerized tomography (pQCT). The mean difference between the two groups on pre-post change were finally calculated (delta) for each outcome. After 8 weeks, there were no significant differences between the groups’ SPPB, handgrip strength or DXA parameters. The group treated with HMB scored significantly better than the control group for PT isokinetic flexion (delta = 1.56±1.56 Nm; p = 0.03) and extension (delta = 3.32±2.61 Nm; p = 0.03), PT isometric strength (delta = 9.74±3.90 Nm; p = 0.02), 6MWT (delta = 7.67±8.29 m; p = 0.04), handgrip endurance (delta = 21.41±16.28 s; p = 0.02), and muscle density assessed with pQCT. No serious adverse effects were reported in either group. In conclusion, a nutritional supplement containing 1.5 g of calcium HMB for 8 weeks in healthy elderly women had no significant effects on SPPB, but did significantly improve several muscle strength and physical performance parameters.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02118181.
authors.affiliation: University of Padova, Department of Medicine-DIMED, Geriatrics Division, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Berton
authors.affiliation: University of Padova, Department of Medicine-DIMED, Geriatrics Division, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Giulia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bano
authors.affiliation: University of Padova, Department of Medicine-DIMED, Geriatrics Division, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Carraro
authors.affiliation: University of Padova, Department of Medicine-DIMED, Geriatrics Division, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Veronese
authors.affiliation: University of Padova, Department of Medicine-DIMED, Geriatrics Division, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Simona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pizzato
authors.affiliation: University of Padova, Department of Medicine-DIMED, Geriatrics Division, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bolzetta
authors.affiliation: University of Padova, Department of Medicine-DIMED, Geriatrics Division, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: De Rui
authors.affiliation: University of Padova, Department of Medicine-DIMED, Geriatrics Division, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Valmorbida
authors.affiliation: University of Padova, Department of Medicine-DIMED, Geriatrics Division, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Irene
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: De Ronch
authors.affiliation: University of Padova, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health Unit, Via Loredan 18, 35128 Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Egle
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Perissinotto
authors.affiliation: University of Padova, Department of Medicine-DIMED, Geriatrics Division, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Coin
authors.affiliation: University of Padova, Department of Medicine-DIMED, Geriatrics Division, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Enzo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Manzato
authors.affiliation: University of Padova, Department of Medicine-DIMED, Geriatrics Division, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sergi
mesh_terms: D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D010809:Physical Fitness; D014631:Valerates / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D014631:Valerates; C004961:beta-hydroxyisovaleric acid