Effects of a 12-Week, Home-Based, Calisthenic Exercise Program, With or Without a Botanical Supplement, on Muscle Strength, Endurance, and Body Composition in Older Adults

Objectives: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessed the effects of calisthenic exercises on measures of strength, fatigue, mobility, body composition, and quality of life when done alone or in conjunction with a daily herbal supplement composed of two botanicals, Sphaeranthus indicus and Mangifera indica (SMS). Methods: Ninety-two (46 M/46 F) healthy volunteers aged 55-70 years and with a BMI of 22-29.9 kg/m2 performed prescribed calisthenic exercises 3x/week, combined with a daily 650 mg supplement (SMS) or a matched placebo (PLA). Muscular strength was assessed by a one-repetition maximum leg extension (LE-1RM) and handgrip dynamometer, while endurance and functional mobility were measured by LE repetitions to failure (LE-RTF), a six-minute walking test (SMWT), and a sit-to-stand test (STS) at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Health-related quality of life was assessed via the 36-item Health Survey (SF-36). Body composition as measured by DXA and serum testosterone (T) values were assessed at baseline and week 12. Results: Calisthenic exercises significantly (p< 0.001) improved LE-1RM, LE-RTF, STS, and SMWT over baseline measures by week 12, regardless of group assignment. However, the exercise program combined with daily SMS demonstrated greater improvements compared to exercise alone. There was a significant (p< 0.001) group x time interaction for LE-1RM, grip strength, and SMWT, and a significant (p=0.007) group effect for LE-RTF. A priori planned group comparisons indicated supplementation improved (p< 0.05) LE-1RM, grip strength, and LE-RTF compared to PLA at 4, 8, and 12 weeks, while SMS improved (p< 0.05) SMWT, STS, and the SF-36 vitality score compared to PLA at week 12. Changes in lean body mass (LBM) and total body fat (TBF) were different between groups, as LBM increased and TBF decreased in SMS compared to PLA (p< 0.05). T increased from baseline values (p< 0.01) in male subjects assigned to either group, but SMS elevated serum values higher than exercise alone (p < 0.01). Testosterone levels did not change in female subjects. Conclusions: A calisthenic exercise program performed three times per week for 12 weeks improved measures of strength and functional mobility in older men and women, but outcomes were significantly greater when the exercise program was paired with a daily botanical supplement. Funding Sources: Laila Nutraceuticals.