The combined effect of rowing exercise and the intake of functional foods containing inulin on muscle mass and bone mineral density in older Japanese women

Abstract

AimAging decreases muscle mass and bone mineral density (BMD), especially in older women. It has been reported that rowing and inulin intake positively affect muscle and bone, respectively. We examined the synergistic effect of rowing and functional food intake, including inulin, on lean body mass, BMD, and physical function parameters in older Japanese women.MethodsFifty women aged 65–79 years were divided into four groups with or without inulin intake and rowing. The interventions were carried out for 12 weeks in each group. We assessed lean body mass and BMD using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry at baseline and after the intervention and examined the changes in the values in each group.ResultsLean body mass in all groups decreased, and the change in lean body mass in the group with rowing and inulin intake was significantly smaller than that in the group without them (−0.05 ± 0.61; −0.83 ± 0.59 kg; P = 0.030). The BMD in the three intervention groups increased after the 12‐week intervention. The change in BMD in each of the three intervention groups showed significant differences compared with the control group (Rowing + Inulin: P = 0.03; Rowing + No inulin: P = 0.01; No rowing + Inulin: P < 0.01).ConclusionsRowing and the intake of functional foods, including inulin, synergistically prevented a decrease in lean body mass. These factors, individually and additively, might increase BMD in older Japanese women. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 779–787.