Effects of Resistance Training on Muscle Size and Strength in Very Elderly Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 32740889 · doi:10.1007/s40279-020-01331-7
What was done
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted to evaluate the effects of resistance training on muscle size and strength in very elderly individuals (aged 75 years and older). Outcomes analyzed using meta-analyses of effect sizes (ESs) included overall muscle strength, muscle strength in the oldest-old (aged 80+), handgrip strength, whole-muscle hypertrophy, and muscle fiber hypertrophy.
What was found
Twenty-two studies were included. Resistance training produced significant improvements in overall muscle strength (difference in ES = 0.97; 95% CI 0.50, 1.44; p = 0.001), muscle strength in adults aged 80+ (difference in ES = 1.28; 95% CI 0.28, 2.29; p = 0.020), and whole-muscle hypertrophy (difference in ES = 0.30; 95% CI 0.10, 0.50; p = 0.013). No statistically significant differences were found for handgrip strength (difference in ES = 0.26; 95% CI -0.02, 0.54; p = 0.064) or muscle fiber hypertrophy (difference in ES = 0.33; 95% CI -0.67, 1.33; p = 0.266). Minimal adverse events were reported.
Why it matters
This review establishes that resistance training remains effective for enhancing muscle size and strength in individuals aged 75 and older, extending clear benefits even to the oldest-old.
Limits
The total number of participants is not reported in the abstract. Wide confidence intervals and non-significant findings for handgrip strength and muscle fiber hypertrophy suggest imprecision or limited sample sizes for those specific sub-outcomes. Training protocol specifics (e.g., duration, volume, intensity) are not provided in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports A meta-analysis on individuals aged 70 and older showed significant improvements in muscle strength and muscle hypertrophy within 8- to 12-week resistance training programs in novice trainees.