Resistance training maintains physical function but does not prevent changes in body composition and biochemical markers after detraining in aging adults

J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2024 Jan:37:146-150. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.11.026. Epub 2023 Nov 26.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the present study was to analyze the effects of 10 weeks of resistance training (RT) and subsequent 4 weeks of detraining on physical function, body composition, and biochemical markers in aging adults.

Methods: The study sample was selected by convenience and consisted of 12 women with a mean age of 58 ± 7 years. Physical function [Latin-American Group of Development for Maturity (GDLAM) general index], body composition, total and fractional cholesterol, triglycerides, and glycemia were assessed before and after RT (10 weeks) and detraining (4 weeks).

Results: After 10 weeks of RT, there were improvements in fat-free mass (39.1 ± 4.2 vs. 39.9 ± 4.4 kg; p < 0.05 and d = 0.2), fat mass (39.9 ± 6.3% vs. 38.7 ± 6.4%; p < 0.05 and d = -0.2), conicity index (1.47 ± 0.07 vs. 1.43 ± 0.06; p = 0.001 and d = -0.6), and physical function (GDLAM index [27.2 ± 5.5 vs. 25.0 ± 4.7; p = 0.001 and d = -0.4]). Significant improvements were also found in total cholesterol (271.8 ± 75.7 vs. 217.2 ± 52.2 mg/dL; p < 0.01 and d = -0.8), LDL-cholesterol (196.5 ± 61.6 vs. 159.3 ± 38.5 mg/dL; p < 0.01 and d = -0.7), HDL-cholesterol (53.1 ± 7.3 vs. 64.3 ± 23.7 mg/dL; p < 0.05 and d = 0.7), and triglycerides (165.8 ± 32.6 vs. 139.9 ± 46.6 mg/dL; p = 0.001 and d = -0.6). After the detraining period, all benefits in physical function were successfully maintained.

Conclusion: RT provided benefits in physical function, body composition, and biochemical markers in aging adults. However, 4-week detraining impaired body composition and biochemical markers in the investigated sample.

Keywords: Aging; Detraining; Resistance exercise; Total cholesterol; Triglycerides.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging
  • Biomarkers
  • Body Composition
  • Cholesterol
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Resistance Training*
  • Triglycerides

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Cholesterol
  • Triglycerides