Exercise and Nutrition Therapies in Elderly Gastrectomy Patients

What is it about?

In elderly patients with gastric cancer, muscle mass loss after gastrectomy can negatively impact quality of life (QOL) and long-term prognosis. This prospective study examined short-term changes in body composition and QOL after gastrectomy in patients over 65 years old receiving exercise and nutritional therapies with BCAA-rich supplements. Results showed that exercise and nutritional therapies with BCAA-rich supplements may benefit elderly patients after gastrectomy by reducing loss of skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and decreases in QOL.

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Why is it important?

This study is important because it focuses on the short-term changes in body composition and quality of life (QOL) after gastrectomy in elderly patients with gastric cancer. Understanding the impact of gastrectomy on muscle mass loss and QOL in elderly patients is crucial for developing effective perioperative management strategies to improve patient outcomes. Key Takeaways: 1. The study examined the short-term changes in body composition and QOL after gastrectomy in elderly patients with gastric cancer. 2. Patients received exercise and nutritional therapies, including BCAA-rich supplements, during the 1-month postoperative period. 3. The results showed that muscle mass loss was relatively limited in elderly patients after gastrectomy, and QOL scores recovered quickly. 4. Loss of muscle mass and body weight can negatively impact daily activities and QOL in elderly patients, emphasizing the importance of perioperative management. 5. Exercise and nutritional therapies, including BCAA-rich supplements, may help prevent body composition changes and improve QOL after gastrectomy. 6. Further studies are needed to assess factors affecting body composition and QOL changes in patients after gastrectomy.