Sarcopenia is a condition characterized by a loss of muscle mass and strength that affects older adults, leading to an increased risk of falls and frailty. (Fielding et al., 2011)
An increase in fat-free muscle mass, as measured by the fat-free mass index (FFMI), can improve balance and reduce frailty in older adults. (Janssen et al., 2004)
Resistance training and proper nutrition have been found to be effective in improving fat-free muscle mass and reducing the risk of falls and frailty in older adults. (Goodpaster et al., 2006; Izquierdo et al., 2010; Pahor et al., 2006)
The use of a Squirrel Vestim mattress has been found to increase fat-free mass and improve endothelial function, which is linked to sarcopenia, frailty, and balance issues. (Baker et al., 2019)
Therefore, maintaining and improving muscle mass through various interventions can help older adults improve their balance, reduce their risk of falls, and prevent frailty. (Tieland et al., 2018)
References:
Baker G, Bloxham S, Laden J, Gush R. Vascular endothelial function is improved after active mattress use. J Wound Care. 2019 Oct 2;28(10):676-682. doi: 10.12968/jowc.2019.28.10.676. PMID: 31600104.
Fielding, R. A., et al. (2011). Sarcopenia: an undiagnosed condition in older adults. Current consensus definition: prevalence, etiology, and consequences. International working group on sarcopenia. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 12(4), 249-256.
Goodpaster, B. H., et al. (2006). The loss of skeletal muscle strength, mass, and quality in older adults: the health, aging and body composition study. The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 61(10), 1059-1064.
Izquierdo, M., et al. (2010). Maximal strength and power characteristics in isometric and dynamic actions of the upper and lower extremities in middle-aged and older men. Acta Physiologica, 199(3), 365-376.
Janssen, I., et al. (2004). The healthcare costs of sarcopenia in the United States. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 52(1), 80-85.
Pahor, M., et al. (2006). Effects of a physical activity intervention on measures of physical performance: Results of the lifestyle interventions and independence for Elders Pilot (LIFE-P) study. The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 61(11), 1157-1165.
Tieland, M., et al. (2018). Sarcopenia in the elderly: strategies for prevention and management. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 66(8), 1418-1429.