New position statement highlights the benefits of resistance training for seniors

For many older people, resistance training may not be part of their daily lives, but a new position statement suggests that it is vital to improve their health and longevity.

If you interview people who want to live up to 100 years, few will answer with "yes". "

Maren Fragala, Ph.D., director of scientific affairs at Quest Diagnostics and lead author of the position paper

"The main reason is that many people badociate advanced age with physical and cognitive decline, loss of independence, and poor quality of life," says Mark Peterson, Ph.D., MS , FACSM, Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Michigan. Medicine and one of the main authors of the statement.

The position statement, published Journal of Strength and Conditioning Researchand with the support of the National Strength and Conditioning Association, highlights the benefits of strength and resistance training in older adults for healthier aging.

Fragala explains that while aging has a negative impact on the body, the statement provides evidence-based recommendations for successful resistance training or endurance-building exercises. muscle, for the elderly.

"Aging, even in the absence of chronic disease, is badociated with a variety of biological changes that can contribute to the decrease in muscle mbad, strength, and function of skeletal muscles," says Fragala. "Such losses diminish the physiological resilience and increase vulnerability to catastrophic events."

She adds, "What's interesting about this position statement is that it provides evidence-based recommendations for resistance training in the elderly to promote health and wellness." functional benefits, while preventing and minimizing fears. "

Practical applications

The position statement provides 11 practical applications divided into four main components: program design variables, physiological adaptations, functional benefits, and considerations of frailty, sarcopenia, and other chronic conditions.

Applications include suggestions on the types of training and the number of repetitions and intensities, groups of patients requiring adaptation of training models, and how training programs can be adapted to older people with disabilities or residing in care and specialized care establishments.

"Current research shows that resistance training is a powerful model of care to combat the loss of muscle strength and mbad in an aging population," said Peterson, a member of the Institute of Public Health and Health. Michigan Innovation and Michigan Center Aging.

"In this position statement, we show how resistance training can positively impact physical functioning, mobility, independence, chronic disease management, psychological well-being, quality of life, and life expectancy in good health and we also make recommendations on how to optimize safety and efficiency programs. "

Fragala adds that the benefits of participating in resistance training as an elder exceed the risks.

"The co-authors of this article and the hundreds of other prolific researchers whose work we synthesized in this position statement found that in most cases the vast benefits of resistance training outweigh it. largely on the risks badociated with proper implementation of the training, "said Fragala.

Strengthen aging in good health

The authors are proud to have the support of the National Strength and Condition Association for this statement.

"Too few older Americans are engaged in resistance training, largely because of fear, confusion and lack of consensus to guide implementation," Peterson said. "By supporting this consensus statement with the support of the National Strength and Condition Association, we hope that it will have a positive impact on empowering aging healthier."