Effects of the Vitality Acupunch Exercise Program on Older Adults With Probable Sarcopenia: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study.

The study was small and underpowered, with 40 enrolled and 27 analysed, so a real effect could have been missed. Participants were mostly women and were recruited by convenience from facilities in one southern US region, so results may not apply to other nursing-home populations. Randomisation was by facility, and the two intervention sites were treated as one site, which may introduce sampling bias. Thirteen residents withdrew, including deaths, facility moves, fractures, dementia, hospitalisation and undisclosed reasons, so the analysed group may differ from those who left. Baseline groups differed in education, and ADL scores differed at baseline, which could affect comparisons. Control residents had physical therapy as a regular part of care, so usual care may have influenced ADL and other outcomes. Hearing and vision problems may have affected the qualitative interviews.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was funded by Sigma Theta Tau International-Iota Nu Chapter, and the paper states the funder was not involved in design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, writing or submission.

Do not conclude that Vitality Acupunch reverses sarcopenia or improves daily function. The main physical hypothesis was not supported, the study was small, and control residents had routine physical therapy.