Mixed
Resistance training is effective in the early stages (pre-sarcopenia/pre-frailty) of these syndromes, improving gait speed and functional strength, suggesting its value as a preventive strategy.
Don't wait until you feel frail to start strength training. If you are over 65, incorporating resistance training into your routine can help maintain your walking speed and functional strength, acting as a buffer against age-related decline. It is never too early to start building this resilience.
Resistance training during early stages had positive effects in all variables during early stages (ES > 0.12), being particularly effective in improving gait speed (ES = 0.63, p = 0.016) and functional strength (ES = 0.53, p = 0.011).
Why this rating
Based on subgroup analysis of the meta-analysis; while significant, the effect sizes for early stages were generally smaller than for late stages for some metrics (e.g., handgrip was non-significant in early stages).
Source
Benefits of Resistance Training in Early and Late Stages of Frailty and Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies
Karolina Talar et al. · Journal of Clinical Medicine · 2021
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