The effect of resistance training programs on lean body mass in postmenopausal and elderly women: a meta-analysis of observational studies

Abstract

Aging and menopause are associated with morphological and functional changes which may lead to loss of muscle mass and therefore quality of life. Resistance training (RT) is an effective training mode to increase muscle mass. We reviewed the existing literature to identify studies implementing RT protocols and evaluating muscle hypertrophy exclusively in healthy, postmenopausal and elderly women. Participants’ age range was comprised between 50 and 80 years. The primary outcome observed was muscle hypertrophy. Fat mass was also evaluated, if available. PubMed and Web of Science were the screened database, and original articles written in English and published from 2000 up to 2020 were included. 26 articles were considered eligible and included. Quality assessment revealed a “moderate quality” of the included studies, however the majority of studies was able to reach level 4 of evidence and on overall grade of recommendation C. In total, data from 745 female participants subjected to different forms of resistance training were considered. Heterogeneity across studies was present regarding study design, intervention length (mean 16 weeks), training frequency (3 d/w), no. of exercises (n = 7.4) and participants’ age (65.8 ± 4.9 years). Small-to-moderate significant increases (k = 43; SMD = 0.44; 95% CI 0.28; 0.60; p < 0.0001) of lean body mass were observed in post-menopausal and elderly women, regardless of age, intervention period, weekly training frequency and no. of exercises. No effects were noted for fat mass (k = 17; SMD = 0.27; 95% CI − 0.02; 0.55; p = 0.07). Studies need to concentrate on providing information regarding training parameters to more effectively counteract the effects of aging and menopause on skeletal muscle mass.

Functional and Psychological Changes after Exercise Training in Post-COVID-19 Patients Discharged from the Hospital: A PRISMA-Compliant Systematic Review

“…As exercise training leads to morphological adaptations (e.g., increased number of contractile proteins and mitochondria) [ 12 ], it can be considered as a potential strategy to be performed to counteract the deleterious effects of COVID-19 on muscle tissue [ 13 , 14 ]. Exercise may also modulate the immune system [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. It was recently revealed that the new COVID-19 strain (Omicron) was able to pose serious risks, and this marks the beginning of a new COVID-19 wave [ 19 ].…”

Effects of Twenty-Four Weeks of Resistance Exercise Training on Body Composition, Bone Mineral Density, Functional Fitness and Isokinetic Muscle Strength in Obese Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Recent meta-analysis studies have reported that the RT protocol can moderately increase muscle mass in post-menopausal and elderly women but does not reduce fat mass [ 33 ]. Flandez et al reported that among older women, power resistance training with elastic bands for 20 weeks led to significant negative changes in fat mass, fat-free mass, and body fat percentage in the control group [ 34 ].…”

Patient preferences for lifestyle behaviours in osteoporotic fracture prevention: a cross-European discrete choice experiment

“…In international guidelines and recommendations for osteoporosis management [ 6 , 8 – 11 , 27 , 28 ], exercising is considered to be one of the best practices for managing osteoporosis and preventing fractures. Although the benefits of exercising are clear with regard to osteoporosis, it is not surprising to observe, in our preference study, a positive intention from patients to engage in light to moderate physical activity and a more negative intention regarding a higher level of physical activity.…”