Fragala, MS, Cadore, EL, Dorgo, S, Izquierdo, M, Kraemer, WJ, Peterson, MD, and Ryan,
ED. Resistance training for older adults: position statement from the national strength
and conditioning association. J Strength Cond Res 33(8): 2019-2052, 2019-Aging, even
in the absence of chronic disease, is associated with a variety of biological changes
that can contribute to decreases in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function.
Such losses decrease physiologic resilience and increase vulnerability to catastrophic
events. As such, strategies for both prevention and treatment are necessary for the
health and well-being of older adults. The purpose of this Position Statement is to
provide an overview of the current and relevant literature and provide evidence-based
recommendations for resistance training for older adults. As presented in this Position
Statement, current research has demonstrated that countering muscle disuse through
resistance training is a powerful intervention to combat the loss of muscle strength
and muscle mass, physiological vulnerability, and their debilitating consequences
on physical functioning, mobility, independence, chronic disease management, psychological
well-being, quality of life, and healthy life expectancy. This Position Statement
provides evidence to support recommendations for successful resistance training in
older adults related to 4 parts: (a) program design variables, (b) physiological adaptations,
(c) functional benefits, and (d) considerations for frailty, sarcopenia, and other
chronic conditions. The goal of this Position Statement is to a) help foster a more
unified and holistic approach to resistance training for older adults, b) promote
the health and functional benefits of resistance training for older adults, and c)
prevent or minimize fears and other barriers to implementation of resistance training
programs for older adults.