Effect of moderate intensity resistance training during weight loss on body composition and physical performance in overweight older adults

Abstract

The impact of resistance training has not been thoroughly examined in overweight older adults undergoing weight loss. Subjects (n = 27) were overweight and obese (BMI 31.7 +/- 3.6 kg/m(2)) older (age 67 +/- 4 years) adults and were randomized into either a 10-week Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension for weight loss diet (DASH, n = 12) or DASH plus moderate intensity resistance training (DASH-RT, n = 15). Outcomes included weight loss, total body and mid-thigh composition, muscle and physical function. There were no significant weight loss differences between the DASH-RT and DASH groups (-3.6 +/- 0.8 vs. -2.0 +/- 0.9%, p = 0.137). The DASH-RT group had a greater reduction in body fat than the DASH group (-4.1 +/- 0.9 vs. -0.2 +/- 1.0 kg, p = 0.005). The DASH-RT group had greater changes in lean mass (+0.8 +/- 0.4 vs. -1.4 +/- 0.4 kg, p = 0.002) and strength (+60 +/- 18 vs. -5 +/- 9 N, p = 0.008) than the DASH group. There were favorable changes in mid-thigh composition variables in the DASH-RT group that were different than the lack of changes observed in the DASH group, except for intermuscular adipose tissue. Both groups experienced decreases in 400-m walk times showed (DASH -36 +/- 11 s, DASH-RT -40 +/- 7 s) with no differences between groups. Moderate intensity resistance training during weight loss appears to improve fat mass and thigh composition, but weight loss only does not. However, global measures of physical functioning may improve with a weight loss-only program.

Effects of Tai Chi, Resistance Training, and Diet on Physical Function in Obese Older Women

“…This results in a condition known as sarcopenia obesity, or a loss of muscle mass that occurs as a result of obesity and because of natural aging. The study done by Avila et al [28] examined the effects of diet alone on lean mass, and also included a diet plus resistance training group to be used as a comparison group to the diet alone group. The study consisted of 27 older obese adults with an average age of 67 (± 4) years.…”

“…Diet alone results in weight loss, improved physical function, and the DASH diet also significantly improves blood pressure measures. Previous studies [31,32,33] have shown that diet combined with exercise actually yields the greatest results in physical function, blood pressure, and can also influence weight loss [26,28]. Exercise and diet combined can result in weight loss and minimize loss of lean muscle, as well as improving physical function.…”

“…An exercise form effective in treating obesity is resistance training (RT), and RT has been shown to improve muscle strength, physical function, and can promote weight loss (22,11,28,15). Resistance training can also be performed with little risk of injury to the subjects (28,15).…”

“…Resistance training can also be performed with little risk of injury to the subjects (28,15). Resistance training programs in minority women have resulted in significant improvements in muscular strength, along with physical function (31,28).…”

“…Resistance training can also be performed with little risk of injury to the subjects (28,15). Resistance training programs in minority women have resulted in significant improvements in muscular strength, along with physical function (31,28). However, RT is not considered an aerobic activity, Tai Chi exercise however, results in significant improvements in physical function in obese older adults and compares to aerobic activities (21).…”