Abstract
Abstract
Aging is associated with a number of physiologic and functional declines that can
contribute to increased disability, frailty, and falls. Contributing factors are the
loss of muscle mass and strength as age increases, a phenomenon called sarcopenia.
Sarcopenia can result or be exacerbated by certain chronic conditions, and can also
increase the burden of chronic disease. Current research has demonstrated that strength-training
exercises have the ability to combat weakness and frailty and their debilitating consequences.
Done regularly (e.g., 2 to 3 days per week), these exercises build muscle strength
and muscle mass and preserve bone density, independence, and vitality with age. In
addition, strength training also has the ability to reduce the risk of osteoporosis
and the signs and symptoms of numerous chronic diseases such as heart disease, arthritis,
and type 2 diabetes, while also improving sleep and reducing depression. This paper
reviews the current research on strength training and older adults, evaluating exercise
protocols in a variety of populations. It is clear that a variety of strength-training
prescriptions from highly controlled laboratory-based to minimally supervised home-based
programs have the ability to elicit meaningful health benefits in older adults. The
key challenges as this field of exercise science moves forward are to best identify
the most appropriate strength-training recommendations for older adults and to greatly
increase the access to safe and effective programs in a variety of settings.
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© 2003 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
