Can Unconventional Exercise be Helpful in the Treatment, Management and Prevention of Osteosarcopenic Obesity?

Unconventional (to Western society/medicine) forms of exercise may be viable for the treatment of osteosarcopenic obesity (OSO). It is well known that conventional resistance exercise builds or maintains muscle mass. Clinically, functional loss may also be relevant; therefore, articles that investigated the effects of unconventional exercises and devices on measures of functionality, strength, balance and Quality of Life (QoL) were included. The exercises, Tai Chi, Yoga, and Pilates, in addition to whole body vibration, electrical stimulation of muscle, and the Alexander Technique were reviewed due to their low impact nature. Tai Chi, Yoga, and Pilates not only support the body, but, are also associated with an increase in QoL. The devices showed promise in reducing or preventing muscle atrophy in older people that are unable to perform exercises. Aging is associated with an increase of fat mass, and decline in muscle mass, strength, quality of life and bone mass. Any exercise, conventional or otherwise, in sedentary older people, at risk of, or diagnosed with OSO may be better than none. Exercise prescriptions should suit the patient and the desired outcomes; the patient should not be forced to fit an exercise prescription, so all potential form of exercise should be considered.

PMID: 27156950 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]