Optimal resistance training prescriptions to improve muscle strength, physical function, and muscle mass in older adults diagnosed with sarcopenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Methodology

Meta-analysis

Population

24 RCTs, n=951 adults aged ≥60 y with diagnosed sarcopenia

Intervention

Resistance training vs. usual care or no intervention; Bayesian dose-response modelling of RT dose

Findings

Resistance training significantly improved handgrip strength, knee extension strength, gait speed and functional tests in sarcopenic older adults, but did not significantly improve the Short Physical Performance Battery or skeletal muscle mass — a functional rather than morphological benefit. A dose of roughly 1220 MET-min/week was suggested as optimal for handgrip strength.

Outcome measures

Handgrip strength, knee extension strength, gait speed, Timed Up and Go, five-times sit-to-stand, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), appendicular skeletal muscle mass and ASM index

Limitations

Muscle mass outcomes did not improve significantly, suggesting functional rather than morphological benefit; meta-regression identified no significant sources of heterogeneity despite subgroup differences; MET-min/week dose metric is a crude proxy for resistance-training dose.

Original source

DOI: 10.1007/s40520-025-03235-w · PMID: 41212331