Acupunch Exercise Improved Muscle Mass, Hand Grip Strength, and Sleep Quality of Institutional Older Adults with Probable Sarcopenia

This study tested the effectiveness of a 6-month vitality acupunch (VA) exercise program on muscle mass, hand grip strength, and sleep quality in institutional older adults with probable sarcopenia. A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted. A total of 103 older adults were assigned to the experimental group (n = 52) and control group (n = 51) according to the institution they inhabited. After the 6-month VA exercise intervention, the experimental group showed significant increases in muscle mass (F = 5.93, p = .017), hand grip strength (F = 56.73, p < .001), and improved sleep quality (F = 23.20, p < .001) compared to the control group. Based on the meridian theory that promotes qi and blood circulation, VA exercise has positive effects on muscle mass, hand grip strength, and sleep quality in older adults with probable sarcopenia.