Interventions with milk proteins supplementation combined with exercise on musculoskeletal function in older adults with Sarcopenia, Osteoporosis and Osteosarcopenia: A Systematic Review Protocol of Randomized Controlled Trials
Body composition; gastrointestinal microbiome; physical functional performance; sarcopenia; osteoporosis.
Introduction: The global aging population faces an increased prevalence of age-related with musculoskeletal conditions. Osteosarcopenia, a combination of sarcopenia and osteopenia/osteoporosis, affects 18.5% of the global older population, being more common in individuals over 65 years old and women. These conditions impair muscle strength and bone density, increasing the risks of fractures, falls, disabilities, and mortality. Recent studies highlight the benefits of milk protein supplementation combined with resistance exercises to
improve musculoskeletal health in older adults. This systematic review of evidence will seek to elucidate the effects of milk protein supplementation combined with physical exercise on the musculoskeletal function of older individuals with osteosarcopenia.
Methods/analysis: The systematic review will assess randomized clinical trials investigating the effects of milk protein supplementation combined with physical exercise on musculoskeletal function in older adults with sarcopenia, osteoporosis, or osteosarcopenia. Studies will be selected from electronic databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, without restrictions on language or publication date. The outcomes evaluated will include body composition, physical performance, handgrip strength, and levels of inflammatory biomarkers such as IL-6, IL-10, CRP, and TNF-α. Statistical analysis will be conducted using the R software package, with a 95% confidence interval and p < 0.005. The
standardized mean difference (SMD) will be used for continuous data, and the I² index will assess heterogeneity (I² > 50%). Sensitivity analyses will be performed to explore the impact of studies with a high risk of bias, and if significant methodological variability is found, a qualitative synthesis of the data will be conducted