Resistance training and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic overview of systematic reviews
PubMed 33054335 · doi:10.1139/apnm-2020-0245
What was done
An overview of systematic reviews searched four electronic databases in February 2019 for reviews published within the previous 10 years. Eligible studies evaluated community-dwelling adults (aged 18 or older) engaging in exclusive resistance training (RT) compared with no RT or different RT doses. Outcomes were categorized as critical (all-cause mortality, physical functioning, health-related quality of life, adverse events) or important (cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, mental health, brain health, cognitive function, cancer, fall-related injuries or falls, and bone health). Authors selected one review per outcome and applied GRADE to assess evidence certainty.
What was found
From 2,089 records, 11 systematic reviews were included, representing 364 primary studies and 382,627 unique participants. RT was associated with decreased all-cause mortality, reduced cardiovascular disease incidence, and improved physical functioning. Effects on health-related quality of life and cognitive function were less certain. Adverse events were inconsistently monitored and reported across studies, though serious adverse events were uncommon. Systematic reviews meeting eligibility criteria could not be identified for the remaining designated health outcomes. Specific numerical effect sizes were not reported in the abstract.
Why it matters
This umbrella review synthesizes broad evidence confirming that resistance training provides clear mortality, cardiovascular, and physical function benefits that outweigh potential harms in adult populations, supporting formal physical activity guideline recommendations.
Limits
The abstract provides no quantitative effect sizes or confidence intervals. The methodology restricted selection to a single systematic review per outcome, potentially omitting relevant primary trials captured in other reviews. Systematic reviews were unavailable for several pre-specified outcomes (including diabetes, cancer, falls, bone health, and mental health), and primary studies inconsistently tracked adverse events.
Cited by
- supports Engaging in at least 2 to 3 days per week of resistance training and cardiovascular training improves neuromuscular connections, brain health, and heart health.