[Benefits of strength training for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia]

Abstract

Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by a gradual loss and generalized skeletal muscle mass and strength at risk for adverse outcomes such as physical disability, poor quality of life and mortality. It has several contributing factors: the aging process throughout life, influences on development in the early stages of life, eating sub optimal, bed rest or sedentary lifestyle, chronic diseases and certain drug treatments. Sarcopenia represents a deterioration of health status with a high personal cost: mobility disorders, increased risk of falls and fractures, impaired ability to perform everyday activities, disability, loss of independence and increased risk of death. The strength training is currently one of the most effective methods for combating sarcopenia by stimulating hypertrophy and increase strength. The strength training programs in older people themselves are probably one of the most effective preventive measures to delay the onset of sarcopenia. In this literature review different factors related sarcopenia and strength training as a preventive method is analyzed.