Effects of a multimodal Intervention on metabolic markers in older women under dietary control: a triple-blind clinical trial

Objective  To evaluate the effects of a multimodal intervention combining resistance exercise and protein supplementation on metabolic markers in older women under dietary control.

Methods  A triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted over 12 weeks. Participants were allocated to three groups: resistance exercise + whey protein (EW), exercise + placebo (EP), and whey protein only (WP). Metabolic markers (fasting glucose, fructosamine, total cholesterol, LDL-c, HDL-c, triglycerides), renal and hepatic function markers (for monitoring), and anthropometric parameters (body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC], calf circumference) were assessed. Dietary control was evaluated using three-day weighed food records.

Results  Thirty-three older women participated (mean age 82 years), most with overweight (67%) and elevated WC (85%). After the intervention, HDL-c significantly decreased in the EW group (from 68 to 58 mg/dL; p=0.005) and in the EP group (from 52 to 49 mg/dL; p=0.018). LDL-c increased in the EW group (from 76 to 106 mg/dL; p=0.005), while fasting glucose decreased in the EP group (from 107 to 99 mg/dL; p=0.005). No significant differences were found between groups. Nutritional intake and renal and hepatic function monitoring were ensured.

Conclusion  Twelve weeks of resistance exercise improved fasting glucose, whereas both exercise groups showed a worsening lipid profile regardless of supplementation. These effects may be related to the intervention duration or to participants’ age, overweight, and comorbidities, highlighting the need to better understand the impacts of exercise and protein supplementation in this population.

Keywords
Aged; Exercise; Nutritional Supplements; Lipid Metabolism; Blood Glucose; Overweight.