Mixed
Resistance training significantly improves muscle strength and physical function in older adults with sarcopenia, but the magnitude of improvement often fails to exceed the Minimal Important Difference (MID) thresholds for clinical relevance.
For older adults with sarcopenia, resistance training is beneficial for strength but may not be enough to restore full functional independence on its own. To maximize benefits, aim for a high frequency (3 times/week) and a total weekly volume around 1220 MET-min/week for grip strength, or 600 MET-min/week for walking speed. However, manage expectations: these improvements might not be large enough to drastically change daily functional status without additional interventions.
Resistance training probably improves muscle strength and physical function in older adults with sarcopenia. However, improvements in grip strength, gait speed, TUG, 5STS, and SPPB did not exceed their MID thresholds, indicating little to no clinical benefit.
Why this rating
Moderate to high certainty evidence via GRADE, but limited by heterogeneity and lack of clinical significance.
Source
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
Ruixiang Yan et al. · Aging Clinical and Experimental Research · 2025
DOI 10.1007/s40520-025-03235-w
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