Exercise training as a cornerstone intervention for sarcopenia: a review

A loss of muscle mass and strength with aging may reflect a generalized and progressive disease known as sarcopenia. Mounting evidence shows that sarcopenia is associated with poor health outcomes in older adults. Currently, no specific drugs are approved for the treatment of sarcopenia. In this context, exercise training has emerged as a cornerstone non-pharmacological strategy to disease management. This narrative review synthesizes evidence on the effects of exercise training on muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance in sarcopenic older adults published recently (from 2024 onward).

Overall, the literature consistently supports resistance training as the primary exercise modality to combat sarcopenia in older adults with formal diagnosis, with multicomponent programs (i.e., involving aerobic exercises and eventually other exercise types, such as balance) offering additional clinical benefits. Novel approaches, including home-based, technology-assisted, and remotely delivered interventions, combined with traditional exercise modalities further expand the range of feasible strategies.

Important challenges remain in translating research findings into clinical practice. Continued advances in the definition and operationalization of sarcopenia, alongside well-designed and adequately powered clinical trials, will be essential to refine evidence-based exercise recommendations and to support their effective implementation in real-world settings.