Preventive Effect of Protein-Energy Supplementation on the Functional Decline of Frail Older Adults With Low Socioeconomic Status: A Community-Based Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Chronic undernutrition is a common condition in older people with low socioeconomic status and is clearly an important component of frailty. However, it is uncertain whether protein-energy supplementation can prevent functional decline in this group. Eighty-seven frail older adults (usual gait speed, p =.052). Short Physical Performance Battery remained stable in the intervention group, although it decreased by 12.5% (1 point) in controls (p = .039). Usual gait speed decreased by 1.0% in the intervention group versus 11.3% (0.04 m/second) in controls (p = .039). Timed up-and-go improved by 7.2% (1.1 seconds) in the intervention group and worsened by 3.4% (0.9 seconds) in controls (p = .038). There were no differences between groups in hand grip strength or one-legged stance performance. The results indicate that protein-energy supplementation administered to frail older adults with low socioeconomic status shows evidence of reducing the progression of functional decline.