BackgroundIncreased physical activity and dietary protein intake are promising interventions to prevent or treat the age-related decline in physical performance in older adults. There are well-controlled exercise as well as dietary intervention studies that show beneficial effects on physical performance in older adults. In practice, however, weekly group based exercise or nutritional programs may not be as effective. To optimise these exercise programs for community dwelling older adults, a digitally supported and personalised home-based exercise training program has been designed aiming to improve physical performance in older adults. In addition, a protein intervention in combination with the training program may further improve physical performance in older adults.MethodsThe VITAMIN study will be a cluster randomised controlled trial with three parallel arms. In total, 240 community dwelling older adults (≥ 55 years) participating in weekly group exercise are randomly allocated into: 1) regular weekly exercise program (Control group, n = 80), 2) digitally supported personalised home-based exercise training program group (VITA group, n = 80) and 3) digitally supported personalised home-based exercise training program group plus dietary protein counselling (VITA-Pro group, n = 80). The VITAMIN study aims to evaluate effectiveness of the digitally supported personalised home-based exercise training program as well as the additional value of dietary protein on physical performance after 6 months. In addition, a 12 month follow-up measurement will assess the retaining effect of the interventions. Primary outcome is physical performance measured by the Modified Physical Performance Test (M-PPT) and relevant secondary and observational outcomes include habitual physical activity and dietary intake, body composition, cognitive performance, quality of life, compliance and tablet usage. Data will be analysed by Linear Mixed Models.DiscussionTo our knowledge, the VITAMIN study is the first study that investigates the impact of home-based exercise, protein intake as well as use of persuasive technology in the population of community dwelling older adults.Trial registrationNL56094.029.16 / NTR (TC = 5888; registered 03–06-2016).
PurposeThe majority of older patients, scheduled for a cardiac procedure, do not adhere to international dietary intake and physical activity guidelines. The purpose of this study was to explore barriers and facilitators regarding dietary intake and physical activity behaviour change in older patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with patients undergoing TAVI. Interviews were analysed by two independent researchers using thematic analysis, the capability, opportunity and motivation behaviour model was used as a framework.ResultsThe study included 13 patients (82 ± 6 years old, 6 females) until data saturation was reached. Six themes were identified, which were all applicable to both dietary intake and physical activity. Three following themes were identified as barriers: (1) low physical capability, (2) healthy dietary intake and physical activity are not a priority at an older age and (3) ingrained habits and preferences. Three following themes were identified as facilitators: (1) knowledge that dietary intake and physical activity are important for maintaining health, (2) norms set by family, friends and caregivers and (3) support from the social environment.ConclusionOur study found that older patients had mixed feelings about changing their behaviour. The majority initially stated that dietary intake and physical activity were not a priority at older age. However, with knowledge that behaviour could improve health, patients also stated willingness to change, leading to a state of ambivalence. Healthcare professionals may consider motivational interviewing techniques to address this ambivalence.
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Introduction: A protein intake of 25–30 g per meal is suggested to maximally stimulate muscle protein synthesis in older adults in order to prevent sarcopenia. Protein intake at breakfast is often low and therefore breakfast offers the potential for protein suppletion. Since protein is known for its satiating effects, we explored the association between the amount of protein intake at breakfast and total daily protein intake in older adults. Methods: Baseline protein intake was assessed by a 3-day dietary record in 507 community dwelling older adults of 55 years and older participating in lifestyle interventions at the Amsterdam Nutritional Assessment Center. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the association between protein intake at breakfast (in g) and total daily protein intake (in g, and g/kg body weight), adjusted for energy intake (kcal/d), sex, age and BMI. Interactions were tested for sex, age and BMI but were not significant (p>0.80). Results: Mean age was 67.6 ± (SD) 7.3 years, 42% was female, and mean BMI was 30.0 ± 5.6 kg/m2. Total daily protein intake was 81 ± 24 g which equals 0.96 ± 0.3 g/kg and 17.6 ± 3.7 percent of total energy intake. Protein intake at breakfast was 14 ± 7 g. A 10 g higher protein intake at breakfast was associated with a 6.7 g (SE = 1.0; P<0.001) and a 0.06 g/kg (SE = 0.01; P<0.001) higher total daily protein intake after adjustment for confounders. Key conclusions: A higher protein intake at breakfast does not compromise total daily protein intake in community dwelling older adults.
