BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation (Sep 2024)

Does high-frequency resistance exercise offer additional benefits to older adults? learnings from a randomized controlled trial

  • Qiaowei Li,
  • Feng Huang,
  • Yanling Cheng,
  • Yalan Dai,
  • Zhong Lin,
  • Zhonghua Lin,
  • Pengli Zhu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-024-00975-6
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16, no. 1
pp. 1 – 10

Abstract

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Abstract Objective Resistance exercise is an effective strategy to improve muscle strength in older adults. A limited-load resistance would be flexible and suitable for community-based training. It was unclear whether high-frequency resistance exercise offer additional benefits to older adults. Here, we aimed to examine the effect of limited-load resistance exercise among different frequency on muscle parameters in older adults. Methods The current study was a single-blind, randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of different-frequency resistance exercise in older adults. Change in skeletal muscle was estimated with a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Demographics, physical examination, nutritional assessment, prealbumin and lymphocytes were also measured. Fisher’s precision probability test and baseline-adjusted generalized linear models were applied accordingly to analyze the influence of dose-different exercise on prevalence of sarcopenia, muscle parameters and body composition. A two-sided p value of < 0.05 was defined statistical significance. Results The participants had a mean age of 71.96 years and close gender ratio. One hundred and twenty-seven participants (control 40; low-dose 46; high-dose 41) completed the 6-month exercise intervention. In contrast to control group, only high-dose exercise groups experienced improvements in muscle mass (0.66 kg, p < 0.001) and max grip strength (+ 2.17 kg, p < 0.001). There were significant dose-response effects of muscle mass (index), fat mass (index), max grip strength, 5-times sit to stand test, 6-minute walking test and visceral fat area (all p trend <0.01). Conclusions As the proved dose-dependent effect, current findings supported high-frequency limited-load resistance exercise applied and extended among older adults in community. Trial Registration This study was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Network (ChiCTR2200062007, Registered on 19 July 2022).

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