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Review
. 2022 Jul 18:4:950949.
doi: 10.3389/fspor.2022.950949. eCollection 2022.

Strength training in elderly: An useful tool against sarcopenia

Roberto Cannataro  1   2   3 , Erika Cione  1   2 , Diego A Bonilla  3   4   5 , Giuseppe Cerullo  6 , Fabrizio Angelini  7 , Giuseppe D'Antona  8   9
Affiliations
Review

Strength training in elderly: An useful tool against sarcopenia

Roberto Cannataro et al. Front Sports Act Living. .

Abstract

The loss of muscle mass and strength in elderly population (especially after the age of 65-70) represents a public health problem. Due to the high prevalence of frailty in older adults, cardiovascular or low-intensity exercise is implemented as first choice option. Although beneficial these training schemes are not as effective as strength-based resistance training for increasing muscle strength and hypertrophy. In fact, when performed progressively and under professional supervision, strength-based training has been proposed as an important and valid methodology to reduce sarcopenia-related problems. In this mini-review, we not only summarize the benefits of weight resistance training but also highlight practical recommendations and other non-conventional methods (e.g., suspension training) as part of an integral anti-sarcopenia strategy. Future directions including cluster set configurations and high-speed resistance training are also outlined.

Keywords: muscle hypertrophy; muscle mass loss; resistance training; sarcopenia; strength training.

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Figure 1
Training approaches to sarcopenia.
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