# The Improvement of Physical Function and Caregiver Burden by a Multimodal Intervention: A Case Study of Combined Exercise Therapy, Nutritional Guidance, and Hydrogen Gas Inhalation Therapy

## TL;DR

A combination of exercise, nutrition, and hydrogen gas therapy improved physical function and reduced caregiver burden in an older woman with suspected sarcopenia.

## Contribution

This case study explores a novel multimodal intervention including hydrogen gas inhalation for sarcopenia.

## Key findings

- Grip strength and walking speed improved after three months of the intervention.
- Inflammatory and oxidative stress markers (CRP, IL-6, 8-OHdG) decreased significantly.
- Caregiver burden shifted from severe to normal levels as measured by the Family Caregiver Burden Scale.

## Abstract

The objective of this exploratory case study was to examine the impact of a multifaceted intervention, which incorporated exercise therapy, nutritional guidance, and hydrogen gas inhalation, on the physical function and caregiver burden of an older female patient suspected of having sarcopenia. The methods employed included a three-month program of group exercise and individualized exercise sessions, three times per week, in addition to nutritional guidance and hydrogen gas inhalation therapy. The primary outcome measures included grip strength, walking speed, inflammatory/oxidative stress markers (c-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), 8-hydroxy-2' -deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)), and caregiver burden, which was assessed by the Family Caregiver Burden Scale (FCS). The results demonstrated that after a period of three months, there was an improvement in grip strength and walking speed. Concurrently, there was a decrease in CRP, IL-6, and 8-OHdG levels. The FCS score demonstrated a shift from the "severe" range to the "normal" range, suggesting a reduction in caregiver burden. The findings of this case study suggest that a multidisciplinary, multifaceted intervention combining exercise therapy, nutritional support, and hydrogen gas inhalation may be effective in enhancing physical function and reducing caregiver burden in older adults with suspected sarcopenia. However, further research is necessary to clarify the independent effects of hydrogen gas inhalation.