Ceolin C, Pasolini G, Papa MV, et al; I-COUNT study group. J Nutr Health Aging. 2026;30(10):100943.
Italy
A 6-month multidomain programme combining physical training, cognitive stimulation, Mediterranean-style diet/functional foods and vaccination promotion improved SPPB by a between-group 1.8 points (p=0.001) and handgrip by 3.8 kg (p=0.026). Sarcopenia prevalence fell from 37.1% to 15.4% in the intervention group, but the group-by-time interaction was not statistically significant.
Pilot cluster RCT in only two facilities; small sample; multidomain design means the active component cannot be isolated; sarcopenia outcome was not statistically definitive; requires larger confirmatory trials.
90 residents aged ≥70 years from two Italian long-term care facilities
The clearest benefit was functional performance and strength rather than proof of sarcopenia reversal. It supports a whole-person, multidomain model for care-home residents and fits Healthy Ageing Education's practical prevention approach.