Strength training in elderly: An useful tool against sarcopenia.
Roberto Cannataro1,2,3, Erika Cione1,2, Diego A Bonilla3,4,5
1Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy.
Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
|August 4, 2022
Summary
Strength-based resistance training is crucial for combating age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) in older adults. This approach, including progressive weight training and novel methods, is more effective than low-intensity exercise for improving muscle mass and strength.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Exercise Physiology
- Muscle Biology
Background:
- Age-related muscle mass and strength loss (sarcopenia) is a significant public health concern in the elderly population (over 65-70).
- Frailty is prevalent in older adults, often leading to the adoption of cardiovascular or low-intensity exercise.
- While beneficial, these exercise types are less effective for muscle strength and hypertrophy compared to resistance training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the benefits of weight resistance training for mitigating sarcopenia.
- To highlight practical recommendations and alternative methods for an integrated anti-sarcopenia strategy.
- To outline future research directions in resistance training for older adults.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on resistance training and sarcopenia.
- Analysis of the efficacy of various training modalities, including conventional and non-conventional methods.
- Discussion of practical implementation and future training paradigms.
Main Results:
- Progressive, supervised strength-based resistance training is a valid and effective method for reducing sarcopenia-related issues.
- Weight resistance training significantly enhances muscle strength and hypertrophy in older adults.
- Non-conventional methods like suspension training can be part of a comprehensive anti-sarcopenia strategy.
Conclusions:
- Strength-based resistance training is superior to low-intensity exercise for addressing sarcopenia in the elderly.
- An integrated approach combining progressive resistance training, practical recommendations, and novel methods is essential.
- Future research should explore advanced training techniques such as cluster sets and high-speed resistance training.
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