GABA supplementation combined with home-based exercise improves subjective sleep quality and body composition in elderly women: a randomized trial

BackgroundHome-based exercise programs (HBEP) improve physical function and strength in older adults, with potential enhancement through better sleep quality.This study examined whether gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) supplementation combined with HBEP improves body composition, functional performance, and sleep quality in older women. MethodsThis randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assigned older women to receive either HBEP plus GABA (100 mg/day) or HBEP plus placebo for 16 weeks.Outcomes included body composition, handgrip strength, sit-to-stand performance, Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), and subjective sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI).Dietary intake, metabolic markers, and adverse events were monitored. ResultsGroups showed similar baseline sleep parameters.After 16 weeks, the GABA group demonstrated significantly greater reduction in overall PSQI scores (p < 0.001) with improvements in sleep latency, duration, efficiency, disturbances, and daytime dysfunction versus placebo.Both groups improved functional performance equally.Within-group analyses revealed the GABA group reduced body weight (p = 0.006) and BMI (p = 0.002) while increasing lean mass (p = 0.003).Sarcopenia prevalence decreased substantially in the GABA group.Caloric, protein, and carbohydrate intake remained similar between groups.Triglyceride and growth hormone levels stayed stable; fasting glucose increased only in the placebo group. ConclusionSixteen-week HBEP improved physical performance and anthropometric measures regardless of supplementation.GABA supplementation provided additional benefits by enhancing sleep quality and J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f body composition in elderly women, suggesting it may be a valuable adjunct to home-based exercise interventions for this population.