Effects of the Vitality Acupunch Exercise Program on Older Adults With Probable Sarcopenia: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study

Purpose: Age-related loss of muscle mass and strength is a highly prevalent condition in older adults in long-term care (LTC) facilities. This pilot study aimed to test the effects of a vitality acupunch (VA) exercise program on muscle mass, muscle strength, muscle endurance, functional fitness, activities of daily living, quality of life, and sleep quality of older adults in LTC facilities with probable sarcopenia in the United States and understand the experiences of residents who participated in the VA program. Design: A mixed-methods experimental design was used for this study. Methods: The quantitative phase included a sample of 27 participants randomly assigned to the control (n = 13) or VA (n = 14) condition. The VA condition consisted of three weekly 40-minute instructor-led seated exercise sessions over 24 weeks. Measures were obtained at baseline, three, and sixmonth intervals. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore participant's experiences of the program. Findings: Statistical comparison revealed significantly higher handgrip strength for the VA group (p = .008). Narrative analysis revealed that the program had a positive impact on participant's daily lives. Conclusions: The VA program offers a holistic, evidence-based exercise program for older adults with probable sarcopenia living in LTC facilities.