Training & movement
A · High confidenceDo older men and women respond differently to strength training?
Subject: Sex Differences in Adaptations in Muscle Strength and Size Following Resistance Training in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
What this means
Relative to their starting level, women gained more lower-body strength. In absolute terms, men gained more upper- and lower-body strength and more muscle size.
Matthew D Jones, Michael A Wewege, Daniel A Hackett, Justin W L Keogh, Amanda D Hagstrom · 2021 · Sports Medicine
What does this rating mean?
Multiple consistent meta-analyses or a position stand. Sufficient basis for a fixed choice in the coaching.
Findings
In older adults, women achieved significantly greater relative lower-body strength gains than men, while men achieved significantly greater absolute gains in upper-body strength, lower-body strength and muscle size. The apparent sex difference depends entirely on whether relative or absolute change is analysed — a critical point for programme evaluation and client communication.
Who this applies to
Men and women over 50 years of age who followed the exact same strength training programme.
Size of the research
30 studies with 1410 participants in total: 651 men and 759 women.
What to keep in mind
The studies were of moderate quality. Who improves more depends heavily on whether you look at absolute or relative gains.
Practical conclusion for REZA
Important for how progress is communicated with older clients: whether a sex difference appears depends entirely on relative versus absolute numbers — REZA nuances this in coaching.
View method and source
Methodology
Meta-analysis
Population
30 studies, 41 comparisons, n=1410 older adults (651 men, 759 women) aged >50 y
Intervention
Resistance training in older men vs. older women; between-sex comparison of relative and absolute changes
Outcome measures
Relative and absolute upper- and lower-body muscle strength; relative and absolute muscle size
Limitations
Mean methodological quality of included studies was modest; between-study rather than within-study sex comparisons in most cases; heterogeneous RT protocols and measurement methods; hormone-therapy status of postmenopausal women rarely reported.
Original source
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-020-01388-4 · PMID: 33332016
View on PubMed →This information is general education about scientific research. It is not personal medical advice and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a doctor or other healthcare professional. If you have symptoms, a medical condition or take medication, consult your GP or treating professional before changing your training or nutrition.