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Updated: May 18, 2026
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Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
Protein supplementation during resistance-type exercise training in the elderly.
Marika Leenders1, Lex B Verdijk, Letty Van der Hoeven
1Top Institute Food and Nutrition, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|September 13, 2012
Summary
For healthy older adults, 24 weeks of resistance exercise training significantly improves muscle strength and function. However, adding protein supplements to this regimen does not provide additional benefits for muscle mass or strength gains.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Resistance training is a proven method to enhance muscle mass and strength in older adults.
- The potential synergistic effect of dietary protein supplementation with exercise training in the elderly requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if dietary protein supplementation can amplify the positive effects of resistance-type exercise training on muscle adaptation in healthy elderly individuals.
- To assess the impact of protein supplementation on muscle hypertrophy, strength gains, and functional capacity.
Main Methods:
- A 24-week progressive resistance-type exercise training program was conducted.
- Healthy older adults (n=60) were randomized to receive either a placebo or 15g/day of protein supplementation.
- Muscle mass was measured using DXA and CT scans, strength by 1-RM testing, and functional capacity via sit-to-stand and handgrip tests.
Main Results:
- Both placebo and protein groups showed significant increases in muscle strength (1-RM) and leg muscle mass.
- No statistically significant differences in strength gains or muscle hypertrophy were observed between the protein supplementation group and the placebo group.
- Improvements in functional capacity, such as the sit-to-stand test, were observed in both groups.
Conclusions:
- Resistance-type exercise training alone is effective in improving muscle mass, strength, and functional capacity in healthy elderly individuals.
- Supplemental protein intake (15g/day) does not provide additional benefits for muscle mass, strength, or functional improvements when combined with resistance training in this population.
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