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Abstract
The effectiveness of resistance exercise for strength improvement among aging persons
is inconsistent across investigations, and there is a lack of research synthesis for
multiple strength outcomes.
The systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews
and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. A meta-analysis was conducted to determine
the effect of resistance exercise (RE) for multiple strength outcomes in aging adults.
Randomized-controlled trials and randomized or non-randomized studies among adults
> or = 50 years, were included. Data were pooled using random-effect models. Outcomes
for 4 common strength tests were analyzed for main effects. Heterogeneity between
studies was assessed using the Cochran Q and I(2) statistics, and publication bias
was evaluated through physical inspection of funnel plots as well as formal rank-correlation
statistics. A linear mixed model regression was incorporated to examine differences
between outcomes, as well as potential study-level predictor variables.
Forty-seven studies were included, representing 1079 participants. A positive effect
for each of the strength outcomes was determined however there was heterogeneity between
studies. Regression revealed that higher intensity training was associated with greater
improvement. Strength increases ranged from 9.8 to 31.6 kg, and percent changes were
29+/-2, 24+/-2, 33+/-3, and 25+/-2, respectively for leg press, chest press, knee
extension, and lat pull.
RE is effective for improving strength among older adults, particularly with higher
intensity training. Findings therefore suggest that RE may be considered a viable
strategy to prevent generalized muscular weakness associated with aging.
2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.