The SPRINT-T study will follow 1,500 people over the age of 70 in 9 European countries. For 2 years, they will have a rehabilitation program. The Toulouse University Hospital is participating in it.
The Toulouse gerontopole is preparing to assess the effects of physical activity on the well-being and physical form of people aged 70 and over. Funded by the European Commission and the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations, this major study called “SPRINT-T” will be conducted in nine European countries where 1,500 seniors will be scrutinized for two years.
Concerning the French part, it will be coordinated at La Grave hospital (Toulouse University Hospital) where between 100 and 150 patients will be recruited. In the local press, the establishment presents this work as the largest European study ever carried out on the effects of physical activity on preventing loss of autonomy in those over 70.
In its call for volunteers, it specifies the profile of the selected candidates. They must present muscle weakness in the arms and legs; and difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or even getting up from a chair.
150 minutes of sport per week
In more detail, the participants in this large-scale study will have to do around 150 minutes of physical exercise per week (walking, muscle building, flexibility, balance) associated with dietary advice. To do this, they will be monitored and supervised by a multidisciplinary team (doctor, nurse, adapted physical activity teacher, dietitian) throughout their participation.
The researchers’ initial premise is that the practice of regular physical activities makes it possible to limit sarcopenia (muscle wasting that affects the elderly), and even makes it possible to increase muscle mass and ultimately prevent dependence.
In an internet article by La Dépêche du Midi, Professor Bruno Vellas, head of the Toulouse gerontopole, explains that “sarcopenia is an important phenomenon that occurs from the age of 50, perhaps more in women and about which we will talk a lot, as much as osteoporosis”. “Physical exercise is what works best to fight against pathologies linked to aging,” he concludes.
To find out more about this work, the study team provides the following number: 06 61 77 71 15.
As a reminder, lSeniors, who maintain regular physical activity, protect their heart and arteries. Moderate to intense exercise even reduces cardiovascular mortality by 50%, according to a latest study presented at the Congress of the European Society of Cardiology, which is being held in Rome (Italy) from August 27 to 31.
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