Emphasises protecting older adults against muscle loss

Testing a new leg press to protect older people against muscle loss

"If people do not have enough muscle mass to support themselves, it almost doesn't matter how many diseases I cure," says Anna Björg Jónsdóttir, adjunct professor at the University of Iceland and geriatric physician at Landspítali. She, along with her team, is currently working on a research project aimed at preventing muscle loss in the elderly using a new type of leg press. 

Anna Björg says it is important for older people who are ill to exercise, as studies have shown that a lack of physical activity leads to muscle loss. She notes that the ideology behind the research is to demonstrate that strengthening muscle mass helps restore health and accelerate recovery.

Include the entire group at Landakot in the research

The research is conducted at Landspítali University Hospital, Landakot, where there are sick individuals aged 67 and older; the main target group of the study.  Anna Björg says the main strength of the study is that they include the entire group and do not exclude anyone from the research. 
"In the study, we are focusing on the weakest group.  Frequently, when studies are conducted, the oldest people are excluded, or individuals with multiple diseases or dementia are not included in the study. Our research includes all these groups. We are studying the group as it is.  This is simply the reality,” says Anna Björg. She mentions, however, that the only group they cannot include in the study are individuals who have had their legs amputated, as the research is based on testing specific devices to increase muscle mass in the lower limbs.

Want to improve health and well-being among the elderly

Anna Björg notes that geriatric physicians adopt a holistic approach to the individual, rather than just focusing on the disease affecting them.  They also consider social circumstances, how people live, and their overall living conditions, where nutrition, exercise, and strength training play a significant role.  "If you don't have the muscles to stand up on your own, everything else becomes so difficult; you can't overlook this part," she points out. 

Anna Björg and the research team are particularly interested in improving the health and well-being of older individuals, and they believe that increasing muscle mass is crucial.  This interest sparked her research, which arose after she began working as a geriatric physician. 

 When I started working as a geriatric physician, I thought a lot about the diseases; I was very focused on the medications and the diseases. Then you learn and see that you need to consider this as well.  This is a natural continuation of my professional life," Anna Björg says.

Teamwork is key in the research

Anna Björg says that the research requires a lot of teamwork, and in addition to her, Arnar Hafsteinsson, a sports scientist and PhD student, and Alfons Ramel, a professor of nutrition, are also involved in the research.  I am not alone in this, and it cannot be done without a good team; I would be nothing without them.  In reality, everything related to the elderly who are ill requires people with different expertise, and in this research, we have a sports scientist, a nutritionist, and a geriatric physician, each bringing their expertise to the table," she says.

Hopes for new focuses in elderly rehabilitation 

The research is still in its early stages, so no results are available yet. However, Anna Björg hopes to demonstrate through this research that rehabilitation for older people should focus on preventing muscle loss, especially for those who are ill or recovering from an illness. 

"It is important that this becomes part of general practice.  I am not just a researcher; I also work as a physician.  I am working on this, so it is crucial to me that we can implement it in our work and that it leads to positive outcomes for the individual.  That is what matters, and that is why we are doing this," says Anna Björg.