Resistance Training Improves Sleep and Anti-Inflammatory Parameters in Sarcopenic Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Sleep and exercise have an important role in the development of several inflammation-related diseases, including sarcopenia. Objective: To investigate the effects of 12 weeks of resistance exercise training on sleep and inflammatory status in sarcopenic patients. Methods: A randomized controlled trial comparing resistance exercise training (RET) with a control (CTL) was conducted. Outcomes were obtained by physical tests, polysomnography, questionnaires, isokinetic/isometric dynamometry tests, and biochemical analysis. Results: Time to sleep onset (sleep latency) was reduced in the RET group compared to the CTL group (16.09 ± 15.21 vs. 29.98 ± 16.09 min; p = 0.04) after the intervention. The percentage of slow-wave sleep (N3 sleep) was increased in the RET group (0.70%, CI: 7.27–16.16 vs. −4.90%, CI: 7.06–16.70; p = 0.04) in an intention to treat analysis. Apnea/hour was reduced in the RET group (16.82 ± 14.11 vs. 7.37 ± 7.55; p = 0.001) and subjective sleep quality was improved compared to the CTL (−1.50; CI: 2.76–6.14 vs. 0.00; CI: 1.67–3.84 p = 0.02) in an intention-to-treat analysis. Levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) (2.13 ± 0.80 vs. 2.51 ± 0.99; p < 0.03) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) (0.99 ± 0.10 vs. 0.99 ± 0.10 ng/mL; p < 0.04; delta variation) were increased in the RET group. Conclusions: RET improves sleep parameters linked to muscle performance, possibly due to an increase in anti-inflammatory markers in older sarcopenic patients.

Exercise and Nutrition in the Mental Health of the Older Adult Population: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

“…In the present study, significant differences are revealed in several subdomains evaluated: subjective sleep quality, sleep duration, sleep discomfort, and medication use; Likewise, in the total score of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), significant changes were evident in the resistance exercises and diet treatment group, which confirms the improvement in the general quality of sleep of the participants post-intervention. In line with our study, Sa Souza et al [69] found significant improvements in different sleep parameters measured through nocturnal polysomnography after resistance exercises, but in sarcopenic older adults. Like the study by Corrêa et al [70], in which they verified the effects of resistance training on sleep quality, but in patients on maintenance hemodialysis.…”

Effectiveness of resistance training in modulating inflammatory biomarkers among Asian patients with sarcopenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…In 2022, de Sá Souza et al. ( 62 ) found no significant difference in IL-10 and TNF-α levels among older individuals with sarcopenia who underwent RT. A meta-analysis reported that RT did not affect IL-10 levels in patients with type 2 diabetes ( 63 ).…”

Association of sleep duration and prevalence of sarcopenia: A large cross-sectional study

“…Additionally, inadequate sleep or sleep deprivation has been associated with an inflammatory response, contributing to heightened systemic inflammation ( Kwon et al, 2017 ). Elevated inflammatory markers can stimulate muscle degradation and impede muscle function, thereby potentially exacerbating sarcopenia ( de Sá Souza et al, 2022 ). From a neurological standpoint, disruptions in sleep patterns affect neural functionality, impacting both motor control and coordination ( Woo, 2017 ).…”