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01-11-2020 | Systematic Review

Effects of Resistance Training on Muscle Size and Strength in Very Elderly Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Authors: Jozo Grgic, Alessandro Garofolini, John Orazem, Filip Sabol, Brad J. Schoenfeld, Zeljko Pedisic

Published in: Sports Medicine | Issue 11/2020

Abstract

Background

Effects of resistance training on muscle strength and hypertrophy are well established in adults and younger elderly. However, less is currently known about these effects in the very elderly (i.e., 75 years of age and older).

Objective

To examine the effects of resistance training on muscle size and strength in very elderly individuals.

Methods

Randomized controlled studies that explored the effects of resistance training in very elderly on muscle strength, handgrip strength, whole-muscle hypertrophy, and/or muscle fiber hypertrophy were included in the review. Meta-analyses of effect sizes (ESs) were used to analyze the data.

Results

Twenty-two studies were included in the review. The meta-analysis found a significant effect of resistance training on muscle strength in the very elderly [difference in ES = 0.97; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50, 1.44; p = 0.001]. In a subgroup analysis that included only the oldest-old participants (80 + years of age), there was a significant effect of resistance training on muscle strength (difference in ES = 1.28; 95% CI 0.28, 2.29; p = 0.020). For handgrip strength, we found no significant difference between resistance training and control groups (difference in ES = 0.26; 95% CI − 0.02, 0.54; p = 0.064). For whole-muscle hypertrophy, there was a significant effect of resistance training in the very elderly (difference in ES = 0 30; 95% CI 0.10, 0.50; p = 0.013). We found no significant difference in muscle fiber hypertrophy between resistance training and control groups (difference in ES = 0.33; 95% CI − 0.67, 1.33; p = 0.266). There were minimal reports of adverse events associated with the training programs in the included studies.

Conclusions

We found that very elderly can increase muscle strength and muscle size by participating in resistance training programs. Resistance training was found to be an effective way to improve muscle strength even among the oldest-old.

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Title: Effects of Resistance Training on Muscle Size and Strength in Very Elderly Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Jozo Grgic
Alessandro Garofolini
John Orazem
Filip Sabol
Brad J. Schoenfeld
Zeljko Pedisic
Publication date: 01-11-2020
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: Sports Medicine / Issue 11/2020
Print ISSN: 0112-1642
Electronic ISSN: 1179-2035
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01331-7

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Effects of Resistance Training on Muscle Size and Strength in Very Elderly Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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