Combined effect of polycan, a -glucan from Aureobasidium pullulans, and regular resistance exercise on muscle strength, biomarkers, and fitness profiles in adults with relatively low skeletal muscle mass: a randomised controlled trial

Background: Previous studies suggest that when combined with exercise, Aureobasidium pullulans-derived & beta;-glucan (AP & beta;G) may enhance muscle health and fitness profiles because of its ability to improve exercise-induced fatigue and preserve muscle mass. Objectives: The objective was to examine the combined effects and safety of AP & beta;G consumption and regular resistance exercise for 12 weeks on muscle strength, biomarkers, and fitness profiles in adults with relatively low skeletal muscle mass. Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial in adults aged & GE;50 years with <110% of the standard lean mass. Eighty participants randomly received either 1000 mg of AP & beta;G per day or a placebo for 12 weeks. All participants underwent resistance training three times per week. At baseline and 12 weeks after treatment, we assessed their knee extension/flexion strength, handgrip strength, body composition, and biomarkers. We also evaluated Euro-QoL-5D (EQ-5D) questionnaire, food intake, and physical activity at baseline and 12 weeks after treatment. Results: The combination of AP & beta;G and regular resistance exercise over 12 weeks resulted in a higher right knee flexion strength by 4.49 Nm (95% CI; -0.12-8.86 Nm; P = 0.044) than the placebo according to the intention-to-treat analysis. The combination intervention also led to a higher right knee flexion strength of 5.60 Nm (0.18-11.02 Nm; P = 0.043) and left knee flexion strength of 7.25 Nm (0.22-14.28 Nm; P = 0.043) than the placebo according to the per-protocol (PP) analysis. In addition, compared to the placebo, the combined intervention enhanced right-hand grip strength by 1.40 kg (0.19-2.61 kg; P = 0.024) and left-hand grip strength by 1.33 kg (0.01-2.65 kg; P = 0.048) according to PP analysis. The combined intervention also resulted in a more significant reduction in the time required for the 400 m walk test than the placebo. None of the participants experienced adverse events. Conclusion: AP & beta;G, in addition to regular resistance exercise, may enhance skeletal muscle strength and fitness in adults with relatively low skeletal muscle mass.