Sanative workshop on Sarcopenia

Participants trying out exercise using a resistance band, an effective and fun method to strengthen muscle

The ageing issue of sarcopenia was put into highlight at the workshop on “Sarcopenia among Institutionalised Elderly and Strategies for Maintaining Muscle Bulk and Strength”. The workshop was held at Sungai Long Campus on 16 November 2018.

The workshop saw talks on the latest research conducted by UTAR Strategic Research Fund (UTARSRF) on sarcopenia and strategies to cope with sarcopenia. Attending the talk were UTAR staff, students and the public, including local old folks.

“Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle and muscle strength and in some case it includes the loss of muscle function as well,” explained Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Prof Dr Yap Sook Fan while presenting the findings and results of her research. The research by UTARSF is a part of several projects and sarcopenia is placed under physical dysfunction and balance disorder. The research was done based on old folk home residents within Klang Valley.

According to Dr Yap, exercise is the best anti-ageing strategy

Also giving the talk was UiTM Health Science Faculty Senior Lecturer Dr Maria Justine @ Stephany. After sharing some findings from worldwide researches, Dr Maria shared some strategies and exercise modes that can be done by sarcopenia patients and the elderly in general. Among the suggested routines are aerobic, chair exercise and resistance exercise. However, these exercises should always be done under supervision.

“Before conducting the exercise, it is important to obtain medical clearance as the elderly may have many other conditions. For frail elderly, a specifically designed exercise is needed,” Dr Maria reminded. 

Dr Maria also suggested balance training as a mode of exercise which includes traditional practices such as Tai Chi and Qi Gong

Touching on a diet plan to aid sarcopenia and elderly in general, Universiti Malaya Medical Centre Clinical Dietician Poh Kai Ling shared the recommended food and methods of serving the food.

“While protein consumption is important for muscle, it is also important to practice a balance diet prior to taking extra protein,” said Poh.

Apart from practising a balanced diet, Poh also suggested the participants to serve the food in a smaller portion with softer textures or serve it with soup or gravy. The loss of appetite is common among sarcopenia patients, hence Poh advised the participants not to force feed the elderly, instead encourage them to eat more by using positive methods to enlighten their mood. 

Poh encourages family members to eat along with the elders to increase their appetite and food intake

The talk was continued by Alice Chong from Jabatan Pakar, Institut Kanser Negara. In her talk, she recommended Ensure Gold, a complete nutritional drink to fill in the nutrition gaps in adults as a supplement for the elderly. Ensure Gold is a complete and balanced nutrition product that improves the quality of life by supporting muscle strength, vitality and activity, and assist in the recovery process by preserving muscle mass.

Chang offering tester and explaining the benefits of Ensure Gold

Visitors undergoing muscle strength tests