Mixed
Resistance exercise prescribed at two sessions per week with high effort (RPE 3-5 progressing to 6-8 or 40-85% 1RM) is the recommended first-line treatment for sarcopenia in older adults.
Perform resistance exercises twice a week, covering both upper and lower body. Start with 1-3 sets of 6-12 reps per exercise. Use a weight or resistance that feels like 'somewhat hard' to 'hard' effort (RPE 3-5 initially, aiming for 6-8). Focus on correct form before adding weight. If you are very weak, start with just one session a week or use bodyweight only, then build up. Ensure at least 48 hours rest between sessions. Continue for at least 12 weeks to see benefits.
We propose that an RE programme that consists of two exercise sessions per week and involves a combination of upper- and lower-body exercises performed with a relatively high degree of effort for 1–3 sets of 6–12 repetitions is appropriate as a treatment for sarcopenia.
Why this rating
Review paper proposing a pragmatic guideline based on limited direct evidence in sarcopenic populations; relies on extrapolation from general older adult data.
Source
Resistance exercise as a treatment for sarcopenia: prescription and delivery
Christopher Hurst et al. · Age and Ageing · 2022
DOI 10.1093/ageing/afac003
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