Effect of a resistance exercise program for sarcopenic elderly women: quasi-experimental study

Introduction: Resistance training is quoted as one of the best pathways to manage sarcopenia and progressive resistance training is supposed to improve muscle mass, strength and performance in older adults. Objective: The aim was to examine the impact of a progressive resistance exercise program (PREP) on muscle and function performance in sarcopenic community-dwelling elder women. Methods: Quasiexperimental study (pre - post intervention). Participated 18 sarcopenic community-dwelling elder women (65 years or older). PREP based on 75% of the participant’s maximum load (12/wk, 3 times/wk). Main outcome measures: muscle strength of knee extensors (isokinetic dynamometry), muscle mass (dual-x ray absorptiometry - DXA), functional performance (Short Physical Performance Battery - SPPB). Paired t-test was used to evaluate differences pre and post intervention. Results: Improvements on power (p = 0.01) and peak torque (p = 0.01) were observed when measured by the isokinetic dynamometer at low speed (60o/s). Improvements on DXA (pre PREP: 5.49 kg/m2 vs. post PREP: 6.01 kg/m2; p = 0.03) and SPPB scores (pre PREP: 9.06 vs. post PREP: 10.28; p = 0.01) were also observed. Conclusion: The PREP was able to improve muscle and functional performance in sarcopenic community-dwelling elder women. This program should be considered in clinical practice.