Multimodal intervention study on the nutritional status of institutionalized elderly women

Rationale: It is known that institutionalized elderly are at higher risk of physical and mental impairment, compromised functional capacity and worse nutritional status. The aim of this study was to develop and implement a multimodal and integrative intervention program, adjusting diet to nutritional needs, incorporating daily recreational activities and exercise in institutionalized elderlies. Methods: This 12-week intervention study included 32-women, aged between 65 and 100 years, living in a Nursing Home, in Azores, Portugal, from whom clinical, nutritional status (Patient Generated–Subjected Global Assessment – PGSGA, calf circumference -CC), risk of sarcopenia (SARC-F and hand-grip dynamometry), dietary intake and mental health (Mini Mental State Examination-MNSE) data was collected. Results: The multimodal intervention showed to improve nutritional status: PG-SGA score values before and after intervention, 6.63±4.1 vs 5.53±2.4, p<0.05 and in the SARC-F, 5.9±2.7 vs 5.4 ±2.8; quality of life (WHOQOL-Bref) had a significant improvement in most items, (p<0.05). With the intervention, energy intake significantly increased, from 54.7±33.9% to 70.3±6.2% of estimated requirements. Women presenting a higher protein intake in the form of “meat” were positively associated with a lower nutritional risk, a lower risk of sarcopenia, as well as higher values of CC, PG-SGA, dynamometry and quality of life. Conclusion: This study shows that providing a diet adjusted to elderlies needs, along with a combined set of playful activities, cognitive stimulation, and physical exercise, improved quality of life and nutritional status. More studies are needed to determine the impact of interventions of this nature.