Body composition in elderly men: effect of dietary modification during strength training

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Exercise Physiology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Aging is associated with sarcopenia and reduced muscle mass.
• Resistance training is a key intervention for improving muscle mass and strength in older adults.
• Optimizing nutritional intake alongside exercise may enhance training adaptations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of dietary supplementation on strength and muscle mass gains in elderly men undergoing resistance training.
• To determine if increased caloric intake influences body composition and strength adaptations during a 12-week resistance training program.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 11 healthy men aged 61-72 years.
• Participants underwent 12 weeks of knee extensor and flexor resistance training.
• One group received a daily caloric supplement (560 kcal), while the control group did not.

Main Results:

• The supplemented group showed significant increases in weight, skinfold thickness, subcutaneous fat, and creatinine excretion.
• Both groups experienced midthigh muscle hypertrophy, but it was significantly greater in the supplemented group.
• Strength gains were observed in both groups, with no significant difference attributed to dietary supplementation.

Conclusions:

• Dietary intake during physical rehabilitation in the elderly may influence gains in lean and adipose tissue.
• Caloric supplementation during resistance training may promote greater muscle hypertrophy in older men.
• Further studies with larger sample sizes and sedentary controls are warranted to validate these preliminary findings.