Dose-response effects of resistance training on physical function in frail older Chinese adults: A randomized controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to investigate the dose-response effects of resistance training on muscle strength and physical fitness in frail older adults.
Results Summary
Resistance training showed dose-dependent improvements in muscle strength and physical fitness, with high-intensity training being more effective for muscle strength and high-volume training improving 30sSTST and 6MWT performances. Low-moderate intensity and volume training also had safety and efficacy advantages.
Population
Frail older adults
Effective Dosage
Various intensities (low, moderate, high) and volumes (moderate, high) of resistance training
Duration
12 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
resistance training | increase | muscle strength and physical fitness | frail older adults | dose-dependent manner | was found to be associated with | #1 |
high-intensity resistance training | increase | muscle strength | frail older adults | - | could be more effective for improving | #2 |
high-intensity resistance training | increase | 6MWT performance | frail older adults | even higher | improvement of | #3 |
high-volume resistance training | increase | muscle strength | frail older adults | - | significantly improved | #4 |
high-volume resistance training | increase | 30sSTST and 6MWT performances | frail older adults | - | even greater improvement in | #5 |
exercise volume of resistance training | increase | muscle strength of the lower limbs, 30sSTST and 6MWT results | frail older adults | - | showed linear relationships with | #6 |
exercise volume of resistance training | increase | 8-FUGT | frail older adults | - | non-linear relationship with | #7 |
resistance training intensity | increase | muscle strength of the lower limbs and 6MWT | frail older adults | - | linear relationship with | #8 |
resistance training intensity | increase | 30sSTST and 8-FUGT | frail older adults | - | non-linear relationships with | #9 |
low-moderate-intensity resistance training and low-moderate-volume resistance training | increase | safety, efficacy and acceptance | elderly with frailty | - | had some advantages in terms of | #10 |
BACKGROUND: Effective exercise for the frail elderly has been found to contribute to healthy aging; the corresponding relationship between intensity and volume of exercise and health effects remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the dose-response effects of resistance training on muscle strength and physical fitness in frail older adults. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, participants were randomized into seven groups: moderate-volume low-intensity, moderate-volume moderate-intensity, moderate-volume high-intensity, high-volume low-intensity, high-volume moderate-intensity, high-volume high-intensity and routine care, receiving 12 weeks of resistance training of different intensities and volumes of exercise. The outcomes were muscle strength (assessed by ergonomics force gauges) and physical fitness function (assessed by the 6-min walking test [6MWT], the 30-s sit-to-stand test [30sSTST] and the 8-foot up-and-go test [8-FUGT]) before and at 6 and 12 weeks of intervention. RESULTS: A total of 161 participants completed the exercise intervention. There were no significant differences in age, sex, height, body weight and body mass index among the seven groups. The exercise volume of resistance training showed linear relationships with muscle strength of the lower limbs, 30sSTST and 6MWT results and a non-linear relationship with 8-FUGT. Resistance training intensity was found to have a linear relationship with muscle strength of the lower limbs and 6MWT and non-linear relationships with 30sSTST and 8-FUGT. The mixed linear model analysis revealed that the lower limb muscle strength differed significantly before and during the intervention (W = 8571.5, P CONCLUSIONS: Resistance training was found to be associated with muscle strength and physical fitness in frail older adults in a dose-dependent manner. High-intensity resistance training could be more effective for improving the muscle strength of frail older adults, and the improvement of 6MWT performance was even higher. High-volume resistance training significantly improved muscle strength, with even greater improvement in the 30sSTST and 6MWT performances. Both the intensity and volume of exercise were found to greatly value physical function in frail older adults. Low-moderate-intensity resistance training and low-moderate-volume resistance training also had some advantages in terms of safety, efficacy and acceptance in elderly with frailty.