Mixed
Resistance training does not significantly improve appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) or appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) in older adults with sarcopenia.
Do not expect resistance training to significantly increase your muscle mass or muscle mass index if you have sarcopenia. The benefits you feel (strength, balance) are likely due to your nervous system working better, not your muscles getting bigger. This is still a positive outcome for function, even if the scale or tape measure doesn't change much.
However, no significant improvements were observed in the short physical performance battery (SPPB), appendicular skeletal muscle mass index and appendicular skeletal muscle mass.
Why this rating
High heterogeneity (I²=83.7% for ASMI) and low certainty for ASM.
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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- 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.Moderate
- Higher training frequency (3 times/week vs. 2 times/week) and specific resistance types (Constant for knee extension, Combined for gait speed) are key effect modifiers for optimizing resistance training outcomes in sarcopenia.Moderate
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