The Multidimensional Effect of Exercise and Nutritional Interventions on Musculoskeletal Function, Nutritional Status and Quality of Life in Age-Related Sarcopenia
Short Title: Exercise and Nutrition Interventions in Age-related Sarcopenia
With ever-increasing life expectancy among older adults, Sarcopenia; the age-related loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical functioning, has received growing research attention. The ageing process of muscle, affects human function through loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and power and hence reducing the functional capacity of older individuals. This limits the ability of performing everyday tasks such as stair climbing, chair rising, and carrying groceries leading to markedly diminished quality of life. In addition, the age-related decline in physical functioning is associated with debilitating health issues in terms of disability, morbidity and mortality. Hence, sarcopenia places an ever-growing financial burden on the community services, NHS in particular. Of various interventions suggested for combating sarcopenia, limited existing evidence only supports exercise- and nutrition-related remedies. Hence, the objective of this study is to generate a comprehensive understanding of multidimensional health benefits of selected exercise and nutrition interventions on musculoskeletal function, nutritional status and quality of life in elderly adults.
This randomised, controlled trial will be conducted in the new laboratories of School of Health Sciences, Liverpool Hope University, and recruiting healthy older adults (>60 yrs) from the community. An array of measurements will be used to evaluate key components of physical, psychological, nutritional, metabolic and health-related quality of life factors, before and after, either individual or combined exercise and nutrition interventions. Key measurements will include body composition, physical performance, nutritional status, metabolic biomarkers, cardiovascular health, functional capacity and fitness level, muscles strength and power, muscle fatigue, mental status, and quality of life. All above measures are frequently and safely used within the research setting with minimal discomfort and risk. The study aims to produce compelling evidence of the multidimensional health benefits of exercise and nutrition on sarcopenia; to healthy ageing and enhance quality of life among the ageing population.
Research fellows
Mr Ben Kirk BSc, MSc
PhD Fellow in the School of Health Sciences studying the effects of exercise and nutritional interventions on; body composition, musculoskeletal functioning and metabolic health in age-related sarcopenia. Mr Kirk has a first class honours BSc in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Abertay, Dundee and an MSc with distinction in Clinical and Exercise Physiology from Northumbria University. He is passionate about the science of building muscle and losing fat in both athletic/clinical populations, and is currently a Performance Nutritionist for a GB Heptathlete and a REPS registered Exercise Trainer.
Miss Kate Mooney BA, MSc
PhD Fellow in the School of Health Sciences investigating the effects of exercise and nutritional interventions on musculoskeletal function and quality of life in age-related sarcopenia. Miss Mooney holds an MSc in Exercise and Nutrition Science from the University of Chester, a postgraduate certificate in Biopharmaceutical Science from the Institute of Technology, Sligo and a BA in Science with moderatorship in Chemistry from Trinity College, Dublin. Whilst undertaking her BA Miss Mooney completed an Erasmus programme at the Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid in organic chemistry and cancer research.
Supervisors
Dr Farzad Amirabdollahian BSc, PhD, RNutr
Associate Professor and Subject Leader for Nutrition in the School of Health Sciences. Dr Amirabdollahian has a first class BSc in Nutrition, postgraduate teaching qualification with distinction and PhD in Nutrition. He has worked as health promotion officer, nutritionist and teacher in private and public sectors. He has also previously worked as a research assistant and lecturer in several British universities. He has a wide range of teaching and research experiences, has published extensively and is a member of Nutrition Society, Zinc UK Scientists and World Public Health Nutrition Association. Lastly, he is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health, Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Registered Nutritionist.
Dr Omid Alizadehkhaiyat MD, PhD
Associate Professor, Deputy Head and Director of Research at the School of Health Sciences. Dr Alizadehkhaiyat joined Liverpool Hope University in 2013 following 7-years clinical research at the University of Liverpool. He is also a fully GMC-registered medical practitioner and holds honorary contracts with the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital NHS Trusts (Orthopaedic and Trauma), as well as, an honorary research contract (Clinical Research Fellow) with the University of Liverpool. His main areas of research include multidisciplinary evaluation of ‘Neuromuscular Function’ in healthy populations, patients/athletes with musculoskeletal conditions, ageing, and use of electromyographic (EMG) and kinematic measurements during sporting activities.
The Liverpool Hope University - Sarcopenia Ageing Trial (LHU-SAT) is based in the School of Health Sciences, Hope Park, Liverpool, L16 9JD.
For directions please visit our how to find us page.
For further enquiries please contact either:
Mr Ben Kirk Tel: 0151 291 3815 Email: kirkb@hope.ac.uk
Miss Kate Mooney Tel: 0151 291 3815 Email: mooneyk1@hope.ac.uk
Please also visit our Twitter (@HopeHealthyAgeing) and Facebook (@StudyAgeing) pages, to more closely follow the progress of the study.