A participant in research aimed at improving the quality of life in older people with frailty and sarcopaenia has spoken of her enthusiasm for the study.
SPRINTT (Sarcopenia & Physical fRailty iN older people: multi-component Treatment strategies) is comparing the long-term effects impact of a structured physical activity and nutritional counselling compared with a Healthy Ageing Lifestyle Education (HALE) programme.
It is aiming to help prevent disability in older adults with physical frailty and sarcopaenia.
A total of 1,500 participants across a total of 14 sites from nine different countries are expected to take part in the study.
One of them, Veronica Gudjin, who has been taking exercise classes twice a week since January, has praised the support she gets and hopes one day to see a lasting impact.
The 76-year-old, who has asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis, said: |
“I look forward to attending the exercise sessions. The exercise opens my airways up to help with my breathing and it also improves my balance.”
The retired landlady from Luton, Bedfordshire, says the study has also helped my spinal problem.
She added: “I come to the centre because I want to and I think it’s doing me the world of good. I think it’s brilliant because it’s also helping the ageing process, it is stretching my muscles and helping my balance. It does take a while to feel the benefits but if you stick with it you will get there.”
The study, which started in 2014, is funded by the EU and the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations. For more information, click here.
