Abstract
This study examined the effects of resistance training on muscle quality, muscle growth factors, and functional fitness in older adult women with sarcopenia. Twenty-two older adult women aged over 65 with sarcopenia were randomly assigned to either resistance training (RT, n = 12) or non-exercise control group (CG, n = 10). The body weight-based and elastic band RT were performed three times a week, 60 min per session, for 16 weeks. Body composition and thigh muscle quality were estimated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and computed tomography (CT), respectively. The muscle growth factors, including growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8), growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), activin A, and follistatin, were analyzed via blood samples. Statistical analyses were performed using repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), analysis of variance (ANOVA), and effect size (i.e., cohen’s d, partial eta square), and the significance level was set at 0.05. The RT group improved their functional fitness, grip strength, gait speed, and isometric muscle strength (p < 0.01, d > 0.99; large), while these variables did not change in the CG. An increase in intramuscular fat was only observed in the CG (p < 0.01, 1.06; large). Muscle growth factors such as follistatin were significantly increased in the RT (p < 0.05, 0.81; large), but other variables did not change following resistance training. Sixteen weeks of resistance training improved functional fitness and prevented age-related increases in intramuscular fat in the thigh area. However, there were only some changes in muscle growth factors, such as follistatin, suggesting that the effectiveness of resistance training on muscle growth factors is limited. Body weight-based and elastic band resistance training is an alternative training method for sarcopenia to minimize the age-related adverse effects on muscle function and quality.
Highlights
It was hypothesized that 16 weeks of body weight-based and elastic band resistance training enhances functional fitness, muscle function, muscle quality, and muscle growth factors
Values are expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD), maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC); maximum voluntary isomeric contraction, relative maximum voluntary isometric contraction (RMVIC); relative maximum voluntary isomeric contraction, TTV; thigh cross-sectional area total thigh volume, TFV; thigh fat volume TMV; thigh muscle volume, TSFV; thigh subcutaneous fat volume, IMAT; intramuscular fat, * Significant interaction effect, * p < 0.05, + Significant difference between pre- and post-test, + p < 0.05
We accept our hypotheses that a change in functional fitness and muscle quality in sarcopenic older adults would be seen after 16 weeks of resistance training compared with the control group
Summary
Krause et al demonstrated that 12 weeks of combined body weight-based and elastic band resistance training enhanced lean body mass and muscle function in the older population [20]. 12 weeks of resistance training using elastic bands improved upper and lower muscle quality (upper; handgrip strength (kg)/arm lean mass (kg), lower; isometric quadriceps (N)/leg lean (kg)) and physical performance in sarcopenic obesity in older women [23]. We speculated that both body weight-based and elastic band resistance training for sarcopenic older adults could be beneficial to increase muscle function and functional fitness. The present study aimed to determine the effects of body weight-based and elastic band resistance training on muscle quality and muscle growth factors (i.e., GDF-8, GDF-15, activin A, follistatin) in sarcopenic older women. It was hypothesized that 16 weeks of body weight-based and elastic band resistance training enhances functional fitness, muscle function, muscle quality, and muscle growth factors
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