OBJECTIVES: The combination of protein supplementation and resistance exercise shows promise for improving and maintaining muscle mass, strength, and performance in older adults with sarcopenia. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of this combination on muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance in community-dwelling older adults with sarcopenia.METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search of 4 electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the MEDLINE Library. The search covered literature from January 2013 to January 2023 and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Two independent reviewers assessed the methodological quality of each study using the standard critical appraisal tool from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Meta-analysis was performed with the JBI Sumari program.RESULTS: The review included 7 randomized controlled trials and 1 quasi-experimental study, encompassing a total of 854 participants aged 60 years and above. The study durations ranged from 10 weeks to 24 weeks. An analysis of standardized mean differences (SMDs) showed that protein supplementation combined with resistance exercise significantly increased muscle mass (SMD, 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13 to 1.78; p<0.05) and muscle strength (SMD, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.56; p<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Although the limited number of randomized controlled trials restricts the robustness of our conclusions, the evidence suggests that protein supplementation combined with resistance exercise is effective in enhancing muscle mass and strength in community-dwelling older adults with sarcopenia.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence and identify factors associated with sarcopenia in older Thais. Research studies were searched in online databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Thai-Journal Citation Index. The articles included in this review were limited to being published between January 1, 2013 and January 31, 2023 and observational study designs. The research quality was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool for prevalence studies. A meta-analysis was performed using the JBI SUMARI software. The review protocol has been registered on PROSPERO with the assigned ID CRD42023420514. A total of 265 research articles were initially identified, out of which 17 articles were included in this study, including a total of 4,668 participants aged 60 years and over, consisting of 1,380 (29.6%) men and 3,288 (70.4%) women. The overall prevalence of sarcopenia in Thai older adults was 20.7% (95% CI 14.4%–27.8%). Subgroup analysis of the sarcopenia prevalence based on the study areas revealed that the prevalence was 33.4% (95% CI 28.7%–38.3%) in hospitalized individuals, 23.2% (95% CI 12.5%–35.9%) in outpatient clinic settings, and 17.3% (95% CI 9.4%–26.8%) in community-living older adults. Advanced age (OR = 4.60, 95% CI 3.07–6.91), being male (OR = 2.30, 95% CI 1.37–3.85), low body mass index (BMI) (OR = 8.95, 95% CI 6.05–13.25), and malnutrition (OR = 2.78, 95% CI 2.09–3.70) are strong predictors of sarcopenia in older adults in Thailand. This systematic review represents the first assessment of the overall prevalence and factors associated with sarcopenia in Thai older adults, indicating its significant concern within this population. These findings are of importance for public health management aimed at preventing and managing sarcopenia in the country.

Background: Sarcopenia threatens the functional ability of older adults and may be underdiagnosed in homeless populations. Older homeless adults face heightened risks due to malnutrition and comorbidities. However, evidence on sarcopenia in this group remains limited, particularly in institutional settings in Thailand. Understanding the prevalence and associated factors of sarcopenia in this vulnerable population is essential to guide early detection, tailored interventions, and policy development. Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia risk and possible sarcopenia, and to identify associated risk factors among older homeless adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 among homeless adults aged 50 years or older residing in a home for the destitute. Participants were purposively recruited based on predetermined inclusion criteria. Sarcopenia risk and possible sarcopenia were determined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 guidelines. Calf circumference was measured to identify sarcopenia risk, while handgrip strength and physical performance assessed using the Five-Times Sit-to-Stand Test were used to determine possible sarcopenia. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression. Results: Of the 163 participants, 74.9% were classified as having sarcopenia risk, while 71.2% had possible sarcopenia. Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that a low body mass index (BMI) was significantly associated with sarcopenia risk (OR = 0.538, 95% CI [0.359, 0.807], p = 0.003). Possible sarcopenia was significantly associated with older age (OR = 1.173, 95% CI [1.061, 1.298], p = 0.002), lower BMI (OR = 0.564, 95% CI [0.448, 0.710], p < 0.001), and the presence of comorbidities (OR = 5.045, 95% CI [1.025, 24.847], p = 0.047). Conclusion: Sarcopenia risk and possible sarcopenia are highly prevalent among older homeless adults. BMI was a key protective factor, while age and comorbidities significantly increased the risk. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions focusing on nutrition and early prevention strategies to mitigate sarcopenia in this vulnerable population. Nurses play a critical role in early screening and implementing tailored interventions to support prevention and management efforts.

Aim: This study sought to elucidate the conditions associated with sarcopenia among older, formerly homeless people residing in supportive housing in Thailand. Design: This study employed a qualitative design. Methods: Eight comprehensive interviews ( n = 8) and four focus group discussions ( n = 20) were conducted. The data collection spanned from March 2024 to June 2024 and was subsequently analysed utilising content analysis methodologies. Results: All participants (age range: 31–83 years, female participants: 52.38%) were selected from a shelter for the economically disadvantaged in Nonthaburi. The analysis revealed two overarching themes: (1) insufficiency, encompassing five subthemes: deficient knowledge, limited dietary intake, poor oral health, insufficient physical activity and substandard sarcopenia care system and (2) the price of plenty, which includes four subthemes: carbohydrate consumption, poorly prepared food (characterised by hard, undercooked, or burnt items and excessive salt and spice usage), comorbid health conditions and excessive periods of inactivity. Implications for the Profession: Absence of nursing roles in supportive housing limits the delivery of people‐centred care for formerly homeless older adults. Integrating nurses into these settings is essential to meet complex health needs and improve care quality. Patient or Public Contribution: This represents the inaugural Thai research conducted within a shelter for the impoverished, underserved and marginalised population. The rich insights from this study provided a foundation for understanding and guiding the management, local policy formulation and prevention strategies related to sarcopenia for this population.

Background/Objectives: Possible sarcopenia and malnutrition are critical public health concerns among older adults, particularly in vulnerable populations such as those with a history of homelessness. However, limited evidence exists on the nutritional status and muscle health of this group in Thailand. Methods: This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of formerly homeless older adults residing in supportive housing in Thailand and examine its association with possible sarcopenia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 116 participants aged 50 years and older. Sociodemographic information was collected using a structured questionnaire. Nutritional status was then assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment short form (MNA-SF) and body mass index (BMI). Possible sarcopenia was determined based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 criteria, including low calf circumference, reduced handgrip strength, and/or low gait speed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results: Of all participants, 66.4% were male, with a mean age of 59.14 years (SD = 7.791). A total of 78.4% were identified as having possible sarcopenia. Univariate analysis revealed significant associations between possible sarcopenia and malnutrition (OR = 6.111, 95% CI = 2.104–17.750), low BMI (OR = 16.784, 95% CI = 3.729–75.535), and waist circumference (OR = 0.129, 95% CI = 0.049–0.342). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that malnutrition (OR = 3.429, 95% CI = 1.093–10.763) and low BMI (OR = 11.732, 95% CI = 2.523–54.567) were significant predictors of possible sarcopenia, collectively explaining 33.8% of the variance. Conclusions: The findings underscore a high prevalence of possible sarcopenia among formerly homeless older adults in supportive housing in Thailand and highlight poor nutritional status, particularly low BMI and malnutrition, as a key contributing factor. These results emphasize the importance of early nutritional screening and interventions to prevent or delay sarcopenia in this vulnerable population.

Background: Arm swing exercise (ASE) is a simple and accessible form of physical activity that has been reported to reduce disease risk and enhance overall health across various populations. In alignment with the World Health Organization’s recommendations for promoting physical activity, ASE requires no specialized equipment or professional supervision. However, systematic evidence on its health benefits remains limited. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of ASE on body composition, glycemic control, cardiovascular health, and musculoskeletal outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive systematic search was conducted in four major databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Thai-Journal Citation Index Center, covering studies published from inception to October 2024. Articles published in both English and Thai were included. Two independent reviewers screened and selected eligible randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies. Methodological quality was assessed using the JBI critical appraisal tool, and meta-analyses were performed using Stata software (version 18), presenting mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Thirteen studies were included, comprising eight randomized controlled trials and five quasi-experimental studies, with intervention durations ranging from 5 to 24 weeks. The ASE significantly reduced waist circumference (MD = −4.76; 95% CI: −8.36 to −1.17; and p < 0.05), hemoglobin A1C (MD= −0.80%; 95% CI: −1.19 to −0.40; and p < 0.001), fasting blood glucose (MD = −17.62 mg/dL; 95% CI: −25.93 to −9.32; and p < 0.05), and diastolic blood pressure (MD = −9.74 mmHg; 95% CI: −17.84 to −1.65; and p < 0.05). The ASE showed a non-significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (MD = −3.65 mmHg; 95% CI: −10.37 to 3.08; and p = 0.29). Additionally, the ASE significantly increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (MD = 6.96 mg/dL; 95% CI: 2.20 to 11.71; and p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study, representing the first systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on ASE, demonstrates that ASE is an effective intervention for improving body composition, glycemic control, and cardiovascular health. Given its simplicity, low cost, and broad applicability, ASE could serve as a practical public health strategy to promote health and prevent chronic diseases across diverse populations.