Combined Protein-Rich Diet With Resistance Exercise Intervention to Counteract Sarcopenia: A Qualitative Study on Drivers and Barriers of Compliance

Exploring within-meal variety to promote appeal of home-cooked meals in older adults

Undernutrition is highly prevalent in older adults and poses a major threat to physical and mental wellbeing. To foster healthy eating (and healthy aging), strategies are needed to improve dietary quality of older adults. In this study, the feasibility of increasing food variety in home-cooked meals is explored as strategy to promote meat and vegetable consumption in community dwelling older adults. Adults aged 50 years or older (N = 253) evaluated pictures of traditional Dutch dinner meals with more or less variety in the vegetable or meat component in an online questionnaire. Specifically, four different variety 'levels' were presented: (1) no variety, (2) meat variety, (3) vegetable variety, and (4) variety in both meat and vegetables (mixed). Participants indicated for each meal picture how much they would like the meal, whether it represented an ideal portion size, and whether they would be able and willing to prepare the meal. We expected that with increasing variety, liking and ideal portion size would increase, while ability and willingness to prepare the meals would decrease. Results showed that the meals with meat variety and mixed variety were liked less than meals with vegetable variety or no variety. Participants were all highly willing to prepare the meals, but they were less willing to prepare the meals with meat variety and mixed variety compared to the meals with vegetable variety and no variety. All meals were evaluated as being too large, but the meals with vegetable variety and mixed variety were evaluated as more oversized than the meals without variety and with meat variety. These results suggest that encouraging older adults to include variety in home-cooked meals might be more challenging than anticipated.

Non-Pharmacological Strategies for Managing Sarcopenia in Chronic Diseases

This article focuses on a range of non-pharmacological strategies for managing sarcopenia in chronic diseases, including exercise, dietary supplements, traditional Chinese exercise, intestinal microecology, and rehabilitation therapies for individuals with limited limb movement. By analyzing multiple studies, the article aims to summarize the available evidence to manage sarcopenia in individuals with chronic diseases. The results strongly emphasize the role of resistance training in addressing chronic diseases and secondary sarcopenia. Maintaining the appropriate frequency and intensity of resistance training can help prevent muscle atrophy and effectively reduce inflammation. Although aerobic exercise has limited ability to improve skeletal muscle mass, it does have some positive effects on physical function. Building upon this, the article explores the potential benefits of combined training approaches, highlighting their helpfulness for overall quality of life. Additionally, the article also highlights the importance of dietary supplements in combating muscle atrophy in chronic diseases. It focuses on the importance of protein intake, supplements rich in essential amino acids and omega-3, as well as sufficient vitamin D to prevent muscle atrophy. Combining exercise with dietary supplements appears to be an effective strategy for preventing sarcopenia, although the optimal dosage and type of supplement remain unclear. Furthermore, the article explores the potential benefits of intestinal microecology in sarcopenia. Probiotics, prebiotics, and bacterial products are suggested as new treatment options for sarcopenia. Additionally, emerging therapies such as whole body vibration training, blood flow restriction, and electrical stimulation show promise in treating sarcopenia with limited limb movement. Overall, this article provides valuable insights into non-pharmacological strategies for managing sarcopenia in individuals with chronic diseases. It emphasizes the importance of a holistic and integrated approach that incorporates exercise, nutrition, and multidisciplinary interventions, which have the potential to promote health in the elderly population. Future research should prioritize high-quality randomized controlled trials and utilize wearable devices, smartphone applications, and other advanced surveillance methods to investigate the most effective intervention strategies for sarcopenia associated with different chronic diseases.

Feasibility and preliminary effects of a mindfulness-based physical exercise (MBPE) program for community-dwelling older people with sarcopenia: A protocol for a parallel, two-armed pilot randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Physical exercise (PE) is essential for alleviating the symptoms of sarcopenia. Low motivation is a major barrier to PE. Mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) has the potential to improve motivation. However, few studies have used a mindfulness-based PE (MBPE) intervention among older people with sarcopenia.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effects of the MBPE program among community-dwelling older people with sarcopenia.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A two-arm pilot randomised controlled trial will be conducted to assess the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effects of an MBPE program among community-dwelling older people with sarcopenia. A total of 60 participants will be randomised into the intervention group, receiving the MBPE intervention twice a week over 12 weeks, or the control group, receiving health education with the same duration, number of sessions and frequency as the intervention group. Each session of the MBPE program will last about 60 min, including 5-10- min introduction, 20-min MBI, 30-min PE and 5-10-min sharing and discussion. The primary outcomes will be the feasibility (i.e., the time spent recruiting participants, the eligibility rate and the recruitment rate) and acceptability (i.e., the attendance rate, completion rate and attrition rate) of the MBPE program. The secondary outcomes will be the preliminary effects of the MBPE program on symptoms of sarcopenia, motivation for PE, psychological well-being, mindfulness level, physical activity level and quality of life. Individual interviews will be conducted to identify the strengths, limitations and therapeutic components of the intervention. The quantitative data will be analysed by generalised estimating equations. The qualitative data will be analysed by Braun and Clarke's thematic approach.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study will be able to provide evidence for the health professionals in adopting MBPE as a supportive intervention for the older adults with sarcopenia and the groundworks for the researchers in developing non-pharmacological intervention for older adults. The positive effects could facilitate healthy ageing and relief the burden of the medical system, especially in the countries facing the ageing population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05982067; ClinicalTrials.gov.

Facilitators and barriers to the implementation of dietary nutrition interventions for community-dwelling older adults with physical frailty and sarcopenia: A qualitative meta-synthesis

Objectives

With the acceleration of an aging society, the prevalence of age-related chronic diseases such as physical frailty and sarcopenia is gradually increasing with numerous adverse effects. Dietary nutrition is an important modifiable risk factor for the management of physical frailty and sarcopenia, but there are many complex influences on its implementation in community settings. This study aimed to summarize the facilitators and barriers to the implementation of dietary nutrition interventions for community-dwelling older adults with physical frailty and sarcopenia, and to provide a reference for the formulation of relevant health management programs.

Methods

Searches were conducted in databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), and Cochrane Library from inception to January 2023. Searches were completed for a combination of MeSH terms and free terms. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) instrument was used to appraise quality. Coding and analysis of the extracted information were performed using the socio-ecological modeling framework. The study protocol for this review was registered on the PROSPERO ( CRD42022381339).

Results

A total of 10 studies were included. Of these, four were nutrition-only focused interventions, and six were dietary nutrition and exercise interventions. The facilitators and barriers were summarized based on the socio-ecological model that emerged at three levels: individual trait level, external environment level, and intervention-related level, containing ten subthemes.

Conclusion

Individual internal motivation and external support should be integrated with the implementation of diet- and nutrition-related interventions in community-living aged people with physical frailty and sarcopenia. Develop "tailored" interventions for participants and maximize available human and physical resources.

Barriers and facilitators for implementation of a combined lifestyle intervention in community-dwelling older adults: a scoping review

Background

Lifestyle interventions, combining nutrition and exercise, are effective in improving the physical functioning of community-dwelling older adults and preventing healthcare risks due to loss in muscle mass. However, the potential of these types of interventions is not being fully exploited due to insufficient implementation. Having insight into the determinants that could hinder or facilitate the implementation of a combined lifestyle intervention could improve the development of matching implementation strategies and enhance the implementation of such lifestyle interventions. The aim of this study was to identify barriers and facilitators for the successful implementation of a combined lifestyle intervention for community-dwelling older adults.

Method

A scoping review was conducted. A literature search was conducted in four electronic databases, and references were checked for additional inclusion. Studies were screened if they met the inclusion criteria. Barriers and facilitators were extracted from the included studies. To validate the results of the literature search, healthcare professionals and community-dwelling older adults were interviewed. Barriers and facilitators were categorized by two researchers according to the constructs of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Results

The search identified 12,364 studies, and 23 were found eligible for inclusion in the review. Barriers and facilitators for 26 of the 39 constructs of the CFIR were extracted. The interviews with healthcare professionals and older adults yielded six extra barriers and facilitators for implementation, resulting in determinants for 32 of the 39 CFIR constructs. According to literature and healthcare professionals, cosmopolitanism (network with external organizations), patient needs and resources, readiness for implementation, costs, knowledge and beliefs about the intervention, network and communication, and engaging were found to be the most important determinants for implementation of a combined lifestyle intervention.

Conclusion

A broad range of barriers and facilitators across all domains of the CFIR framework emerged in this study. The results of this review reflect on determinants that should be taken into account when planning for the implementation of a combined lifestyle intervention. A further step in the implementation process is the development of implementation strategies aiming at the identified determinants to enhance the implementation of a combined lifestyle intervention in community care.

"We want more": perspectives of sarcopenic older women on the feasibility of high-intensity progressive resistance exercises and a whey-protein nutrition intervention

This qualitative study is nested within a 12-week pilot randomized-controlled, two-arm trial involving high-intensity progressive resistance training (PRT) or PRT with a multi-nutrient, whey-protein supplementation (PRT+WP) in sarcopenic older adults (trial registration no: TCTR20230703001). The aim was to investigate sarcopenic participants' perceptions and barriers to this multi-modal intervention strategy that may accelerate "real-world" implementation. Eighteen older adults (one man) with possible sarcopenia were invited to join the study, of whom 16 women were randomized to a thrice-weekly PRT (n = 8) program (80% of 1-repetitive maximum, six resistance band exercises) only or PRT plus daily weekday milk-based WP supplementation (PRT+WP, n = 8). Muscle strength (handgrip and 5-times sit-to-stand), mass (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), performance (Short Physical Performance Battery and stair ascent-descent), and nutrition status (Mini Nutritional Assessment) were assessed for changes. We randomly selected eight women for the semi-structured interview. Post-intervention, eight (50%) women were sarcopenia-free, six (38%) remained in possible sarcopenia, one (6%) improved to sarcopenia, and one (6%) deteriorated from possible to severe sarcopenia. There were no significant between-group differences, but significant within-group improvements (p < 0.05) were detected for handgrip strength (PRT+WP 5.0 kg, d = 0.93; PRT 6.1 kg, d = 0.55), 5-times sit-to-stand time (PRT 2.0 s, d = 1.04), nutrition score (PRT+WP 3.44, d = 0.52; PRT 1.80, d = 0.44), and stair ascent time (PRT+WP 0.97 s, d = 0.77; PRT 0.75 s, d = 0.97). Our thematic analyses identified four main themes, namely, (1) perceived benefits, (2) sustaining behavior changes, (3) challenges in participating, and (4) improved wellbeing. Participants expressed how they initially were skeptical and doubted that they could complete the exercises or tolerate the milk-based WP supplements. However, they reported positive experiences and benefits felt from strength gains, increased confidence, and better physical abilities. Participants were surprised by the zero adverse effects of WP supplements. The women wanted more nutritional information and structured, guided exercise programs and suggested a community-based implementation. In conclusion, our findings showed PRT was well received and may support reduced risks of sarcopenia. No added benefits were seen with the addition of WP supplementation, but a larger sample is required to address this question. Overall, older (previously sarcopenic) Malay women indicated that they want more multi-modal programs embedded in their community.

Health maintenance through home-based interventions for community-dwelling older people with sarcopenia during and after the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted people's lifestyles and changed the delivery of health interventions, especially interventions for community-dwelling older people with sarcopenia.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the components and explore the effectiveness of home-based interventions for improving sarcopenia and other health-related outcomes among community-dwelling older people with sarcopenia.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

The Cochrane Library, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Medline (via PubMed), and PsycINFO were searched for relevant papers published from January 1, 2010 to March 29, 2022. Only papers written in English were included. The modified version of Cochrane's risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the risks of bias in the included studies. The template for intervention description and replication checklist was used to summarize the intervention components. The mean difference (MD) or standard mean difference with a 95 % confidence interval (CI) was used to determine the effect size of studies using the same or different measuring methods. Random-effects models were in meta-analyses to pool the effects of home-based interventions on the included outcomes.

RESULTS

After detailed screening and exclusion, 11 randomized controlled trials including 1136 older people with sarcopenia were included in our analyses. Three categories of home-based interventions were identified: exercise interventions, nutritional interventions, and combined exercise and nutritional interventions. The overall analysis of the outcomes (e.g., appendicular skeletal muscle mass index, lean mass, body fat mass, handgrip strength, and gait speed), showed that the effects of home-based exercise interventions were inconclusive. Compared with passive controls, home-based exercise interventions significantly improved knee extension strength (MD = 0.56 kg, 95 % CI: 0.09, 1.03, p = 0.020) and reduced the time required to complete the Timed Up and Go Test (MD = -1.41 s, 95 % CI: -2.28, -0.54, p = 0.001). Home-based nutritional interventions were effective in improving appendicular skeletal muscle mass (MD = 0.25 kg, 95 % CI: 0.02, 0.49, p = 0.030), gait speed (MD = 0.06 m/s, 95 % CI: 0.03, 0.09, p = 0.0001), and quality of life in terms of both the physical component summary (MD = 13.54, 95 % CI: 0.73, 26.34, p = 0.040) and mental component summary scores (MD = 8.69, 95 % CI: 2.98, 14.41, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Home-based exercise interventions have the potential to improve muscle strength and physical function, while home-based nutritional interventions are effective in increasing muscle mass, physical function, and quality of life. Both of these can be applied at home during and after the COVID-19 pandemic to alleviate sarcopenia and improve health-related outcomes in community-dwelling older people.

A Review of Factors Contributing to Adults' Adherence to Dysphagia Dietary Recommendations Through an Ecological Lens

PURPOSE

The purpose of this review was to identify the factors affecting adherence to dysphagia dietary recommendations, a necessary contributor to the effectiveness of this compensatory strategy.

METHOD

A rapid review of two electronic databases was conducted in April 2021. Studies were included based on the following criteria: (a) were empirical studies published in English, (b) included data from the adult population, and (c) measured adherence to dietary recommendations. The ecological model and the health belief model were used as frameworks during the analysis process.

RESULTS

The literature search resulted in 930 unique abstracts, of which 14 articles were included based on the final criteria. Across the literature, multiple factors were identified as having an influence on adherence, classified according to three unique levels: the individual (e.g., dissatisfaction), the caregiver (e.g., knowledge), and the environment (e.g., institutional policies and values).

CONCLUSIONS

Improving adherence to dysphagia dietary recommendations is crucial for the effectiveness of those recommendations. As suggested by the current review, increased adherence will require careful attention to the multiple levels of factors that likely play a role, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of this complex behavior. Furthermore, characterizing the multilevel factors that influence adherence can contribute to future theoretical models, which could help guide speech-language pathologists in their clinical practices.

Dietary patterns and sarcopenia in elderly adults: the Tianjin Chronic Low-grade Systemic Inflammation and Health (TCLSIH) study

Sarcopenia is a core contributor to several health consequences, including falls, fractures, physical limitations and disability. The pathophysiological processes of sarcopenia may be counteracted with the proper diet, delaying sarcopenia onset. Dietary pattern analysis is a whole diet approach used to investigate the relationship between diet and sarcopenia. Here, we aimed to investigate this relationship in an elderly Chinese population. A cross-sectional study with 2423 participants aged more than 60 years was performed. Sarcopenia was defined based on the guidelines of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia, composed of low muscle mass plus low grip strength and/or low gait speed. Dietary data were collected using a FFQ that included questions on 100 food items along with their specified serving sizes. Three dietary patterns were derived by factor analysis: sweet pattern, vegetable pattern and animal food pattern. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 16·1 %. The higher vegetable pattern score and animal food pattern score were related to lower prevalence of sarcopenia (P_trend = 0·006 and < 0·001, respectively); the multivariate-adjusted OR of the prevalence of sarcopenia in the highest v. lowest quartiles were 0·54 (95 % CI 0·34, 0·86) and 0·50 (95 % CI 0·33, 0·74), separately. The sweet pattern score was not significantly related to the prevalence of sarcopenia. The present study showed that vegetable pattern and animal food pattern were related to a lower prevalence of sarcopenia in Chinese older adults. Further studies are required to clarify these findings.

Effects and contextual factors of a diet and resistance exercise intervention vary across settings: an overview of three successive ProMuscle interventions

Background

Although many effective interventions have been developed, limited interventions have successfully been implemented. An intervention that was translated across settings is ProMuscle: a diet and resistance exercise intervention for older adults. However, varying contexts often lead to varying effects due to contextual factors (characteristics of individuals, organizations, communities or society). The current study aimed to gain insights into effects and contextual factors of ProMuscle in the controlled setting (ProMuscle: PM), real-life setting (ProMuscle in Practice: PiP), and real-life setting of the implementation pilots (ProMuscle Implementation Pilots: IP).

Methods

Data from the intervention arms of PM (N = 31) and PiP (N = 82), and from IP (N = 35) were used. Physical functioning (chair-rise test) and leg strength (1-10 repetition maximum) were measured at baseline and after 12-weeks intervention. Paired t-tests and General Linear Models were used to study changes after 12 weeks and differences between interventions. To explore contextual factors, researchers of PM and physiotherapists and dietitians of PiP and IP were interviewed. Factors were categorized according to the five domains and its underlying constructs of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Results

Improvements on chair-rise performance were found in PM (-2.0 ± 7.0 s, p = 0.186), PiP (-0.8 ± 2.9 s, p = 0.019) and IP (-3.3 ± 4.2 s, p = 0.001). Similar results were found for leg strength in PM (32.6 ± 24.8 kg, p < 0.001), PiP (17.0 ± 23.2 kg, p < 0.001), and IP (47.8 ± 46.8 kg, p < 0.001). Contextual factors that contribute to explaining the relatively high effects in IP included room for adapting and tailoring the intervention, involvement of experienced professionals, availability of and access to facilities, and participants characteristics.

Conclusions

Effects of the intervention appeared to be strongest in the real-life setting of the implementation pilots. Specific contextual factors contributed to explaining the different findings across settings. Future studies should investigate crucial factors that determine successful implementation of interventions in the real-life setting, to ensure that effective interventions are put into action and reach a broad population.

Trial registration

The ProMuscle intervention was registered in the Trial Registration (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01110369) on February 12th, 2010. The ProMuscle in Practice intervention was registered in the Netherlands Trial Register (NTR6038) on August 30th, 2016. Trial registration was not needed for the ProMuscle Implementation Pilots as this research did not fall within the remit of the Dutch ‘Medical Research Involving Human Subjects Act’.

Perceptions of Weight Loss in Older Adults Following a 6-Month Weight Loss Program: A Qualitative Research Study

BACKGROUND

Obesity in older adults contributes to increasing comorbidities and decreased quality of life. There is limited research that includes older adults' perspectives on weight loss.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain a better understanding of older adults' perceptions and experiences related to weight loss immediately after a 6-month weight loss intervention.

DESIGN

A qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews conducted as part of a larger research study exploring weight loss and/or aerobic exercise on muscle inflammation.

PARTICIPANTS/SETTING

A sample of community-based older adults (n = 11) in Southwestern Ohio were recruited from September 2018 through August 2019 after completion of a 6-month weight loss intervention. Eligible participants were older than 58 years, with a body mass index (calculated as kg/m²) >27, and sedentary with no cognitive deficits. Exclusions included cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and tobacco use.

ANALYSIS

Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Descriptive statistics were used for demographic data.

RESULTS

Three emergent themes included barriers and challenges to weight loss, which included caregiving roles, challenges with increasing protein intake, and ambivalence to change; personal strategies for success (eg, portion control and meal flexibility); and external strategies for success (eg, visual graphs as feedback measures, alternate measures of success, and social support).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this qualitative study provide insight into older adults' experiences with weight loss, which may be considered when designing weight management interventions. However, more research is needed to examine strategies to address the challenges identified by participants in this research study. Future qualitative research should also focus on weight loss perspectives of older adults in other racial and ethnic groups.

Process Evaluation of a Combined Lifestyle Intervention for Community-Dwelling Older Adults: ProMuscle in Practice

Background and Objectives

The ProMuscle in Practice intervention combines resistance exercise training and dietary protein intake for community-dwelling older adults, implemented by health care professionals (HCPs). This study aimed to evaluate implementation and context of this intervention in Dutch health care practice.

Research Design and Methods

We conducted a randomized controlled multicenter intervention study in 5 Dutch municipalities. Eighty-two older adults received the 12-week intensive support intervention (resistance exercise training and individual dietary counseling) and the optional 12-week moderate support intervention (resistance exercise training and a nutrition course). Mixed method data were collected from both participants and HCPs (n = 37) on process indicators recruitment, dose received, acceptability, fidelity, applicability, and context.

Results

Overall, the intervention was feasible to implement and accepted by participants and HCPs. About two thirds of participants continued with the moderate support intervention after the first 12 weeks. The mean dose received for the training sessions was 83.6% in the intensive intervention, 63.6% in the moderate intervention, >90% for individual dietitian consultations, and 76.8% for the nutrition course. The intensive support intervention was implemented with high fidelity, whereas for the moderate support intervention resistance exercise trainings varied in implementation between exercise providers.

Discussion and Implications

A combined resistance exercise training and dietary protein intervention for community-dwelling older adults can be successfully implemented in practice. Well-tailored interventions, intensive supervision by skilled HCPs, social aspects, fidelity, and fit within real-world settings appeared essential for successful implementation. These elements are important for continuous intervention optimization to accomplish broader and successful implementation.

Study of the Older Adults' Motivators and Barriers Engaging in a Nutrition and Resistance Exercise Intervention for Sarcopenia: An Embedded Qualitative Project in the MIlkMAN Pilot Study

Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate motivators and barriers to older adults engaging in a nutrition and resistance exercise (RE) intervention for sarcopenia. Methods: We conducted a content analysis of structured interviews with 29 community-dwelling older adults (aged 65–80 years) completing the MIlk Intervention Muscle AgeiNg (MIlkMAN) study. Results: Content analysis revealed that self-perceived improved health, knowledge acquisition in nutrition and exercise, social well-being, professional support in a fun environment, and positive reported outcomes were motivators for engagement in the intervention. Peer encouragement, social bonds, and their retention were motivators to continuing engagement after study completion, especially in widowed women. Barriers to maintenance included affordability, environmental factors, and concerns over negative health outcomes. Discussion: Nutrition and RE interventions for sarcopenia should focus on knowledge acquisition about their health benefits, being enjoyable, and offering social opportunities that have the potential to last beyond the study duration to promote and maintain positive health behaviors.

Milk and resistance exercise intervention to improve muscle function in community-dwelling older adults at risk of sarcopenia (MIlkMAN): protocol for a pilot study

INTRODUCTION

Sarcopenia is a progressive muscle disorder characterised by decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength and function leading to adverse health outcomes, including falls, frailty, poor quality of life and death. It occurs more commonly in older people and can be accelerated by poor diet and low physical activity. Intervention studies incorporating higher dietary protein intakes or protein supplementation combined with resistance exercise (RE) have been shown to limit muscle function decline. However, less is known about the role of whole foods in reducing the risk of sarcopenia. Milk is a source of high-quality nutrients, which may be beneficial for skeletal muscle. This pilot study examines the feasibility and acceptability of milk consumption with RE to improve muscle function in community-dwelling older adults at risk of sarcopenia.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

30 older adults aged ≥65 years will be randomly allocated to three groups: 'whole milk+RE', 'skimmed milk+RE' or 'control drink+RE'. Assessments will take place in participants' homes, including screening (milk allergies, grip strength, walking speed), baseline and postintervention health and function. All participants will undertake a structured RE intervention twice a week for 6 weeks at a local gym, followed by the consumption of 500 mL of whole or skimmed milk (each ~20 g of protein) or an isocaloric control drink and another 500 mL at home. Participants' views about the study will be assessed using standardised open-ended questions. The primary outcomes include feasibility and acceptability of the intervention with recruitment, retention and intervention response rates. Analyses will include descriptive statistics, exploration of qualitative themes and intervention fidelity.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Outputs include pilot data to support funding applications; public involvement events; presentation at conferences and peer-reviewed publication.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN13398279; Pre-results.

Towards a Food-Based Intervention to Increase Protein Intakes in Older Adults: Challenges to and Facilitators of Egg Consumption

Abstract: Background: Dietary protein intake is important for health. Eggs, as a protein-rich food with characteristics that appeal to older adults, may provide opportunities for increasing protein intake. Interventions that focus on the challenges or facilitators that affect a large proportion of the population will be of increased impact on a population-wide scale. This work aimed to investigate the relative importance of a number of challenges to and facilitators of egg consumption in a UK population-wide sample of older adults.

METHODS

A cross-sectional postal questionnaire, measuring habitual egg intake, reasons for eating/not eating eggs and a range of demographic and lifestyle characteristics, was administered by post to 1082 older adults.

RESULTS

230 questionnaires suitable for analysis were returned (110 females, ages 55⁻80+ years). Habitual egg intake ranged from 1⁻89 eggs/month, mean (standard deviation) = 18 (13) eggs/month. Reasons for eating/not eating eggs were reduced using Principal Components Analysis to 23 challenges and facilitators of egg consumption. Regression analyses revealed habitual egg intake to be associated with 10 challenges and facilitators (smallest β = 0.14, p = 0.04), and with protein consumption, age and Body Mass Index (smallest β = 0.14, p = 0.03).

DISCUSSION

Many possibilities for future intervention based on existing challenges or facilitators were found. Our results suggest that strategies to increase egg consumption in older adults should focus on: improving liking, tastiness and adding variety; promoting eggs as an everyday type of food; reducing stereotypes about who does and who does not consume eggs; and promoting eggs for people who have noticed the effects of ageing on their food intake. Strategies that highlight value-for-money may be counterproductive. Future work evaluating the value of these strategies for improving protein intake in this age group would be of value.