Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 13, 2025
12:59
Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
12.7K
Strength Training and Nutrition Help Prevent Sarcopenia in Older Adults
Milton Pereira1, Ana Carolina Silva2, Vinícius Mapa3
1School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil.
Summary
Progressive resistance training and nutritional advice effectively reversed sarcopenia in older adults, eliminating its prevalence in the intervention group. This non-pharmacological approach improved muscle strength and functional mobility, highlighting its potential for healthy aging.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Musculoskeletal Health
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Sarcopenia, a progressive musculoskeletal disease, is characterized by decreased muscle strength and mass, negatively impacting quality of life in older adults.
- Age, sedentary lifestyles, and poor nutrition are primary contributors to sarcopenia development.
- Effective, non-pharmacological interventions are crucial for managing sarcopenia in aging populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a 12-week progressive intensity Resistance Training (RT) program combined with nutritional advice on sarcopenia prevalence in older adults.
- To assess changes in muscle strength and functional mobility following the intervention.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week study involving 74 older adults (mean age 69.1 years), divided into an intervention group (RT + nutritional advice) and a control group.
- Sarcopenia status, handgrip strength, chair stand test, and time up and go test were assessed at baseline and post-intervention.
- The intervention group engaged in progressive intensity resistance training.
Main Results:
- The intervention group experienced a significant reduction in sarcopenia prevalence from 35.14% to 0% (p < 0.001).
- Significant improvements were observed in handgrip strength, chair stand test, and time up and go test performance within the intervention group (p < 0.05).
- The control group showed an increased incidence of sarcopenia (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Progressive intensity resistance training combined with nutritional advice is a highly effective non-pharmacological strategy for reversing sarcopenia in older adults.
- This intervention significantly enhances muscle strength and functional capacity, contributing to improved quality of life.
- The findings support the implementation of this combined approach for sarcopenia management and prevention.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
1.6K
Exercise induces a range of adaptations in muscle tissue, depending on the type and duration of activity. Such physical training can be broadly categorized into two types: endurance exercises and resistance exercises.
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
1.6K
01:29Bone Disorders
4.0K
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
4.0K
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
2.5K
Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
2.5K
01:24Muscle Recovery and Fatigue
2.5K
Muscle fatigue refers to the decline in a muscle's ability to maintain the force of contraction after prolonged activity. It primarily stems from changes within muscle fibers. Even before experiencing muscle fatigue, one may feel tired and have the urge to stop the activity. This response, known as central fatigue, occurs due to changes in the central nervous system, namely the brain and spinal cord. While there is no single mechanism that induces fatigue, it may serve as a protective...
2.5K
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
3.7K
The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
3.7K
01:09Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
2.2K
The upper and lower limb initially develops as a small bulge called a limb bud, which appears on the lateral side of the early embryo. The upper limb bud appears near the end of the fourth week of development, with the lower limb bud appearing shortly after.
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
2.2K