Impact of wearable-assisted walking on sarcopenia and body composition in older adults
Cheng‐En Wu, Yankuba B. Manga
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity constitutes a global public health challenge, particularly among older adults. This study investigates the impact of a wearable device-assisted walking program on body composition, muscle strength, and sarcopenia in this population. METHODS: Eighty healthy older adults (40 men and 40 women), aged 65 and above, were randomly assigned to either an intervention (experimental) group, which participated in a structured walking program utilizing wearable devices, or a non-intervention (control) group, which maintained their habitual activities. The walking program spanned 12 weeks. Key assessments included body composition analysis, handgrip strength measurement, the 5× sit-to-stand test, and the appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI). RESULTS: The intervention group exhibited significant improvements in body composition and muscle strength. Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) increased by 5.5% (95% CI: 4.2-6.8%), handgrip strength improved by 13.1% (95% CI: 10.6-15.6%, p < 0.05), and lower limb function improved by 10.5% (p < 0.05). ASMI proved to be an effective and accessible metric for sarcopenia assessment, demonstrating strong correlations with SMM, handgrip strength, and sit-to-stand performance. CONCLUSIONS: Wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, provide real-time feedback and enable tailored exercise recommendations, offering a practical and personalized strategy for mitigating sarcopenia. This study confirms that wearable-assisted walking programs effectively improve muscle health and functional performance in older adults, reinforcing their potential for promoting healthy aging.