The Importance of Resistance Exercise Training to Combat Neuromuscular Aging

Abstract

Older adults undergoing age-related decrements in muscle health can benefit substantially from resistance exercise training, a potent stimulus for whole muscle and myofiber hypertrophy, neuromuscular performance gains, and improved functional mobility. With the use of advancing technologies, research continues to elucidate the mechanisms of and heterogeneity in adaptations to resistance exercise training beyond differences in exercise prescription. This review highlights the current knowledge in these areas and emphasizes knowledge gaps that require future attention of the field.

FIGURE 1.

Neuromuscular benefits for older adults undergoing resistance exercise training The neuromuscular benefits for older adults undergoing resistance exercise training (RT) extend beyond muscle mass and strength. For a summary of RT benefits on other organ systems, see text.

FIGURE 2.

Regulation of skeletal muscle gene expression and protein expression Regulation of skeletal muscle gene expression and, ultimately, protein expression, occurs at multiple levels, influencing both baseline phenotype and responsiveness to an RT. Molecular networks of interest, based on current knowledge (32, 36, 117, 128, 134, 136, 149, 155, 156), are highlighted in this diagram and provided in context in the text.

FIGURE 3.

Response heterogeneity to progressive resistance exercise training in older adults Potential causes of heterogeneity include both non-modifiable (e.g., age, sex, race, genotype) and modifiable (e.g., exercise dose, behavioral and environmental factors, phenotype) factors (5). Titrating the exercise dose has been effective in reducing the number of low responders (144).