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

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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/m2) 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.

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded by the College of Environmental and Life Sciences Community Access to Research and Extension Services (CELS CARES) grant from the USDA and by a grant from the URI Foundation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Kinesiology, University of Rhode Island, 25 West Independence Way, Room 214, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA

    Joshua J. Avila, Julie A. Gutierres & Matthew J. Delmonico

  2. Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA

    Megan E. Sheehy & Ingrid E. Lofgren

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  1. Joshua J. Avila
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  2. Julie A. Gutierres
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  3. Megan E. Sheehy
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  4. Ingrid E. Lofgren
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  5. Matthew J. Delmonico
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Correspondence to Matthew J. Delmonico.

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Communicated by Klaas Westerterp.

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Avila, J.J., Gutierres, J.A., Sheehy, M.E. et al. Effect of moderate intensity resistance training during weight loss on body composition and physical performance in overweight older adults. Eur J Appl Physiol 109, 517–525 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-010-1387-9

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