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Effects of a 1-year randomized controlled trial of resistance training on lower limb bone and muscle structure and function in older men

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Abstract

Summary

A 1-year randomized controlled trial of resistance training compared with a control group was undertaken in 143 men aged 55–80 years. Although hip bone mineral density, lean body mass, and function increased in both groups, lean body mass and function but not bone density increased more in the resistance group.

Introduction

Previous studies have demonstrated a positive effect of resistance training on bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women, but the effect in men is unclear. The aim was to examine the effect of a 1-year resistance training program on bone and lean body mass in 143 men aged 55–80 years, randomized to either resistance training or active control.

Methods

Resistance exercises were selected to provide loading at the hips. Measurements were taken at 0, 6, and 12 months for BMD (whole body, hip, and spine), lean body mass, strength, and functional fitness.

Results

The intervention showed a significant increase in total hip BMD for both groups at 12 months (active control, 1,014–1,050 mg/cm2; resistance, 1,045–1,054 mg/cm2, p < 0.05) with no increased effect of resistance training compared to active control. However, compared to the active control group, the resistance group increased their lean body mass (active control, 0.1 ± 2.1%; resistance, 1.5 ± 2.7%, p < 0.05), fitness (active control, 4.6 ± 11.1%; resistance, 13.0 ± 13.4%, p < 0.05), and lower limb muscle strength (active control, 14.3 ± 16.8%; resistance, 39.4 ± 30.87%, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

In contrast to previous findings in older women, in older men, a resistance training program does not increase hip bone mass more than walking 30 min three times a week.

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Acknowledgments

This study was financially supported by a grant from the Arthritis and Osteoporosis Foundation of Western Australia. Support was also provided by the Department of Endocrinology at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, School of Sport Science and Exercise Health at University of Western Australia and Curtin University of Technology. We thank the staff and practical students at the rehabilitation gym of the School of Sport Science and Exercise Health at UWA for assistance with supervision of resistance exercise sessions and strength and fitness testing and the volunteers whose cooperation and dedication made this study possible.

Conflicts of interest

None.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, School of Public Health, Curtin University of Technology, GPO Box U1987, Bentley, WA, 6845, Australia

    J. Whiteford, S. S. Dhaliwal, A. P. James & D. A. Kerr

  2. School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia

    T. R. Ackland & J. J. Woodhouse

  3. School of Surgery, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia

    R. Price

  4. School of Medicine and Pharmacology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia

    R. L. Prince

  5. Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia

    R. L. Prince

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  1. J. Whiteford
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  2. T. R. Ackland
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  3. S. S. Dhaliwal
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  4. A. P. James
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  5. J. J. Woodhouse
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  6. R. Price
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  7. R. L. Prince
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  8. D. A. Kerr
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Correspondence to J. Whiteford.

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Whiteford, J., Ackland, T.R., Dhaliwal, S.S. et al. Effects of a 1-year randomized controlled trial of resistance training on lower limb bone and muscle structure and function in older men. Osteoporos Int 21, 1529–1536 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-009-1132-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-009-1132-6

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