Effects of different strength training protocols on sarcopenia influencing parameters in older adults : a systematic review.

Abstract

Introduction: Sarcopenia is characterized by the reduction of skeletal muscle mass and its functionality. Several of the parameters that influence sarcopenia are modified by strength training. Objective: To review the effects of different strength training protocols (frequency, duration, and intensity) on parameters that influence sarcopenia. Methods: This is a systematic review of original, quantitative, observational studies, published between 2010 in 2020, in English, Spanish and Portuguese, and indexed in the SciELO, PubMed, and CAPES databases. The terms used search were: “muscle strenght” (“força muscular”, “fuerza muscular”), “sarcopenia” (“sarcopenia”), “aging” (“envelhecimento”, “envejecimiento”), “olders” (“idosos”, “ancianos”), “strength training” (“treinamento de força/resistência”, “entrenamiento de fuerza”). 215 articles were retrieved and 11 met the inclusion criteria, being included in the review. Results: Among the 11 studies analyzed, it is observed that strength training applied in different protocols was efficient in improving parameters such as muscle mass and strength, body balance, and performance in diagnostic tests of sarcopenia. Conclusion: This review highlights the benefits of the practice of strength exercise in different protocols on parameters that influence the onset of sarcopenia in older adults. The exercise of strength is presented as an applicable, practical, and non-pharmacological means of preventing sarcopenia.