Effects of a 12-Week Suspension versus Traditional Resistance Training Program on Body Composition, Bioimpedance Vector Patterns, and Handgrip Strength in Older Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Francesco Campa,Silvia Stagi,Stefania Toselli,Elisabetta Marini,Brad J Schoenfeld,Mario Mauro

doi:10.3390/nu13072267

Abstract

This investigation aimed to compare the effects of suspension training versus traditional resistance exercise using a combination of bands and bodyweight on body composition, bioimpedance vector patterns, and handgrip strength in older men. Thirty-six older men (age 67.4 ± 5.1 years, BMI 27.1 ± 3.3 kg/m2) were randomly allocated into suspension training (n = 12), traditional training (n = 13), or non-exercise (n = 11) groups over a 12-week study period. Body composition was assessed using conventional bioelectrical impedance analysis and classic and specific bioelectric impedance vector analysis, and handgrip strength was measured with a dynamometer. Results showed a significant (p < 0.05) group by time interaction for fat mass, fat-free mass, total body water, skeletal muscle index, classic and specific bioelectrical resistance, classic bioelectrical reactance, phase angle, and dominant handgrip strength. Classic and specific vector displacements from baseline to post 12 weeks for the three groups were observed. Handgrip strength increased in the suspension training group (p < 0.01, ES: 1.50), remained stable in the traditional training group, and decreased in the control group (p < 0.01, ES: −0.86). Although bodyweight and elastic band training helps to prevent a decline in muscle mass and handgrip strength, suspension training proved more effective in counteracting the effects of aging in older men under the specific conditions studied.

Highlights

It is predicted that the age distribution of the world’s population will increase from 727 million people aged over 65 years in 2020 to 1.5 billion people by 2050 [1]
Aging is accompanied by a decline in body composition and strength [2], which increases the risk of age-related diseases [3]
To the best of our knowledge, no previous study has investigated the effects of suspension training on other body composition parameters such as total body water and skeletal muscle index

Summary

Introduction

It is predicted that the age distribution of the world’s population will increase from 727 million people aged over 65 years in 2020 to 1.5 billion people by 2050 [1]. Aging is accompanied by a decline in body composition and strength [2], which increases the risk of age-related diseases [3]. There is difficulty in neuromuscular activity and contractility of muscle fibers and impaired muscle strength [6]. Muscle strength is recognized as a better predictor of adverse health outcomes than muscle mass [3]. In this regard, handgrip strength evaluation is commonly used in health care administration and is included among the tests for diagnosing sarcopenia [3]. A subject can gain an advantage by changing their body composition features and diet habits [4,5]

Methods

Results

Conclusion