Combined Black Rice Germ, Bran Supplement and Exercise Intervention Modulate Aging Biomarkers and Improve Physical Performance and Lower-Body Muscle Strength Parameters in Aging Population

Aging is a time-dependent functional decline in muscle mass and strength, which is reflected in poor physical performances, hormonal imbalance, and development of chronic low-grade inflammation. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of black rice germ, bran supplement, and exercise program either alone or in combination for 24 weeks on the aging biomarkers (C-reactive protein, Interleukin-6, Insulin-like growth factor-1, and CD4:CD8 T cell ratio) physical performance, muscle strength parameters (walking speed, sit-to-stand time, grip strength) among Thai aging population. A total of 120 healthy volunteers aged 65-74 years were assigned to the exercise group (EX), black rice germ, and bran supplement (BR) group or the combination of BR and EX group (BR + EX). Over the course of the 24-week intervention, compared with baseline data (T0), the combined BR + EX intervention significantly decreased the inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels, both p < 0.05 vs. T0) and significantly increased the insulin-like growth factor-1 levels (p < 0.001 vs. T0). Significant improvement in physical performance and muscle strength were also observed in the combined BR + EX group (decrease in sit-to-stand time and gait speed over the 24-week intervention, both p < 0.05 vs. T0, and trend toward grip strength improvement at p = 0.088 vs. T0). Overall, our results indicated a synergistic effect towards the combined intervention with the sustainable improvement in physical performances, lower-body muscle strength, and the modulation of both inflammatory and endocrine biomarkers. This study could encourage older adults to change their lifestyles to improve healthy aging and longevity.