Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength that occurs with advancing age; it is related to frailty, falls, worsening quality of life, and death in chronic and elderly patients. Diagnosis of sarcopenia is based on clinical criteria: presence of low muscle mass and the presence of low muscle function and/or low physical performance. The latest developments indicate that dietary supplementation combined with resistance exercise could be an option to improve muscle mass and function.~The objective of the study is to assess the effects of β-hydroxymethylbutyrate (β-HMB) combined with a resistance training program, after an acute process in older patients with sarcopenia in terms of muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performance.~Design: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study with two intervention groups. The investigators shall compare placebo against an intervention with β-HMB in patients performing a resistance training program after an acute process (post-acute period) during 12 weeks. There will be 16 patients in each arm of the study. Additionally a one year follow up visit will be performed.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study to assess the effects of β-hydroxymethylbutyrate (β-HMB) combined with a resistance training program, after an acute process in older patients with sarcopenia in terms of muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performance. Treatments compared will be β-hydroxymethylbutyrate (β-HMB) with a resistance training program or placebo with a resistance training program.