Research
Adherence
Resistance training is the most effective exercise intervention for improving muscle strength, physical performance, and mitigating muscle mass loss in older adults with sarcopenia.
For older adults concerned about muscle loss, resistance training is the most proven exercise method to maintain strength and independence. It should be considered a first-line treatment, ideally prescribed personally to fit individual needs.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Resistance training (strength training) was the most effective exercise for strength and physical performance, with or without additional exercise/nutritional interventions.
Why this rating
Based on a network meta-analysis of 42 randomized controlled trials, though limited by inconsistent definitions.
Source
Apples to apples? Discordant definitions still hinder evidence‐based treatments for sarcopenia
Giulia Coletta et al. · Journal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle · 2023
DOI 10.1002/jcsm.13339
narrative_reviewCited 6×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
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