Effects of Resistance Training on Bone and Muscle Mass in Older Women: A Review

Abstract

Aging is associated with declines of different physiological systems. These reductions are directly related to loss of mobility in older individuals, reducing the independence and quality of life for this population. Regular physical activity (e.g, resistance training, RT), has been shown to decrease mortality and age-related morbidity in older adults, including women. A fracture is closely related to the typical decline in bone mass (i.e, osteoporosis) especially in postmenopausal women. In fact, up to 30% of postmenopausal females have osteoporosis. In postmenopausal women the rate of bone mineral density loss progressively increases with age. In addition, decreases in muscle tissue (i.e, sarcopneia) may begin to occur before the fourth decade and gradually worsens through the later stages of adulthood. Sarcopenia, is characterized by low muscle mass, low muscle strength, and low physical performance, which can lead to disability, risk of falls and fractures, and death. Further, sarcopenia occurs to a greater degree in older women than men. Menopause is characterized by important changes in hormonal status and these changes have a significant effect on body composition (i.e, bone mass density, muscle mass, and body fat). Importantly, RT is effective in increasing bone and muscle mass and improving measurements of physical performance. Thus, this review is intended to summarize the effects of RT on bone and muscle mass in older postmenopausal women.