Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of resistance training (RT) combined with beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyric acid (HMB) in the treatment of elderly patients with sarcopenia after hip replacement.

Methods: From January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018, 200 elderly patients (68 men, mean age 76.3 years and 137 women, mean age 79.1 years) who experienced femoral neck fracture with sarcopenia after hip arthroplasty were assigned to four groups: RT + HMB group, RT group, HMB group, and negative control group. Baseline data, body composition, grip strength, Barthel index (BI), Harris hip score (HHS), and visual analog scale score (VAS) were compared among the four groups before and 3 months after surgery.

Results: A total of 177 participants completed the trial, including 43 in the HMB + RT group, 44 in the HMB group, 45 in the RT group, and 45 in the negative control group. At the 3-month follow-up, the body composition and grip strength of the HMB + RT group and RT group were significantly improved compared with those before operation. The HMB group had no significant change, while the measures in the negative control group significantly decreased. Postoperative BI and HSS did not reach pre-injury levels in any of the four groups, but postoperative VAS score was significantly improved. However, there was no significant difference in BI, HSS, or VAS among the four groups.

Conclusion: RT, with or without HMB supplementation, can effectively improve body composition and grip strength in elderly patients with sarcopenia after hip replacement at short-term follow-up. Simultaneously, use of exclusive HMB supplementation alone may also help to prevent decreases in muscle mass and grip strength in these patients.