Volume 11, Issue 2 (December 2025)
Elderly Health Journal 2025, 11(2): 127-134 |
Back to browse issues page
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
TaheriChadorneshin H, Rashidi E, Nokhodchi N, Fattahi Z. Effect of Resistance Training Volume on Muscular Strength, Stability and Mobility in Sedentary Obese Elderly Women. Elderly Health Journal 2025; 11 (2) :127-134
URL: http://ehj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-364-en.html
URL: http://ehj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-364-en.html
Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, University of Bojnord, Bojnord, Iran , h.taheri@ub.ac.ir
Abstract: (30 Views)
Introduction: There is limited knowledge regarding how different resistance training (RT) volumes affect musculoskeletal fitness adaptations. Hence, our study compared the efficacy of varied RT volumes in enhancing maximal strength, stability, and mobility among sedentary, obese older women.
Methods: Thirty sedentary, obese elderly women (mean age 64.57 ± 4.50 years; mean body mass index 32.34 ± 2.69 kg/m²) participated in this experimental design and were randomly assigned to control (C), low-volume RT (LVRT), and high-volume RT (HVRT) groups. Participants in the LVRT group performed one set of each exercise, while those in the HVRT group performed three sets. Both training groups trained twice weekly for 12 weeks. Assessments were conducted at baseline and post-intervention, including the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Sharpened Romberg test (SRT), walking and stepping up/down parameters, and whole-body maximal strength.
Results: Post-training, significant enhancements in maximal strength and SRT (p = 0.001 and p = 0.019, respectively) performance were observed in both the LVRT and HVRT groups when compared to the C. Notably, the magnitude of improvement in maximal strength was greater in the HVRT than in the LVRT. Furthermore, time of TUG (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively), walking (p = 0.012 and p = 0.001, respectively), stepping up (p = 0.034 and p = 0.001, respectively), and stepping down (p = 0.016 and p = 0.001, respectively) tests all showed significant reductions in the LVRT and HVRT groups relative to the C. In addition, the time of TUG (p = 0.007), stepping up (p = 0.020), and stepping down (p = 0.001) tests, demonstrated further significant reductions in the HVRT compared to the LVRT group.
Conclusion: RT improves strength, mobility in elderly obese women; higher volumes yield superior gains. These findings support HVRT incorporation to maximize functional benefits this population.
Methods: Thirty sedentary, obese elderly women (mean age 64.57 ± 4.50 years; mean body mass index 32.34 ± 2.69 kg/m²) participated in this experimental design and were randomly assigned to control (C), low-volume RT (LVRT), and high-volume RT (HVRT) groups. Participants in the LVRT group performed one set of each exercise, while those in the HVRT group performed three sets. Both training groups trained twice weekly for 12 weeks. Assessments were conducted at baseline and post-intervention, including the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Sharpened Romberg test (SRT), walking and stepping up/down parameters, and whole-body maximal strength.
Results: Post-training, significant enhancements in maximal strength and SRT (p = 0.001 and p = 0.019, respectively) performance were observed in both the LVRT and HVRT groups when compared to the C. Notably, the magnitude of improvement in maximal strength was greater in the HVRT than in the LVRT. Furthermore, time of TUG (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively), walking (p = 0.012 and p = 0.001, respectively), stepping up (p = 0.034 and p = 0.001, respectively), and stepping down (p = 0.016 and p = 0.001, respectively) tests all showed significant reductions in the LVRT and HVRT groups relative to the C. In addition, the time of TUG (p = 0.007), stepping up (p = 0.020), and stepping down (p = 0.001) tests, demonstrated further significant reductions in the HVRT compared to the LVRT group.
Conclusion: RT improves strength, mobility in elderly obese women; higher volumes yield superior gains. These findings support HVRT incorporation to maximize functional benefits this population.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
General
Received: 2025/10/8 | Accepted: 2025/12/17 | Published: 2025/12/19
Received: 2025/10/8 | Accepted: 2025/12/17 | Published: 2025/12/19
References
1. Rossi AP, Bianchi L, Volpato S, Bandinelli S, Guralnik J, Zamboni M, et al. Dynapenic abdominal obesity as a predictor of worsening disability, hospitalization, and mortality in older adults: results from the InCHIANTI study. Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biomedical Sciences and Medical Sciences. 2017; 72(8): 1098-104.
2. Fritz NB, Juesas Á, Gargallo P, Calatayud J, Fernández-Garrido J, Rogers ME, et al. Positive effects of a short-term intense elastic resistance training program on body composition and physical functioning in overweight older women. Biological Research for Nursing. 2018; 20(3): 321-34.
3. Pucci G, Alcidi R, Tap L, Battista F, Mattace-Raso F, Schillaci G. Sex-and gender-related prevalence, cardiovascular risk and therapeutic approach in metabolic syndrome: A review of the literature. Pharmacological Research. 2017; 120: 34-42.
4. TaheriChadorneshin H, Fattahi Z, Rashidi E. The effect of high and low volume resistance training on quality of life and endurance in elderly women. The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility. 2023; 26(4): 26-35. [Persian]
5. Fattahi Z, TaheriChadorneshin H, Rashidi E, Abtahi-Eivary S. Effect of two different volumes of resistance training on serum level of fibroblast growth factor-21, body fat percentage and mobility in obese elderly women. The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility, 2020; 23(10): 61-71. [Persian]
6. Radaelli R, Rech A, Molinari T, Markarian AM, Petropoulou M, Granacher U, et al. Effects of resistance training volume on physical function, lean body mass and lower-body muscle hypertrophy and strength in older adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of 151 randomised trials. Sports Medicine. 2025; 55(1): 167-92.
7. Aartolahti E, Lönnroos E, Hartikainen S, Häkkinen A. Long-term strength and balance training in prevention of decline in muscle strength and mobility in older adults. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research. 2020; 32(1): 59-66.
8. Barbalho MD, Gentil P, Izquierdo M, Fisher J, Steele J, de Azevedo Raiol R. There are no no-responders to low or high resistance training volumes among older women. Experimental Gerontology. 2017; 99: 18-26.
9. Ribeiro AS, Aguiar AF, Schoenfeld BJ, Nunes JP, Cavalcante EF, Cadore EL, et al. Effects of different resistance training systems on muscular strength and hypertrophy in resistance-trained older women. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2018; 32(2): 545-53.
10. Marques DL, Neiva HP, Marinho DA, Marques MC. Manipulating the resistance training volume in middle-aged and older adults: a systematic review with meta-analysis of the effects on muscle strength and size, muscle quality, and functional capacity. Sports Medicine. 2023; 53(2): 503-18.
11. de Souza Rocha JN, Pereira-Monteiro MR, Vasconcelos AB, Pantoja-Cardoso A, Aragão-Santos JC, Da Silva-Grigoletto ME. Different resistance training volumes on strength, functional fitness, and body composition of older people: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. 2024; 119: 105303.
12. Antunes M, Kassiano W, Silva AM, Schoenfeld BJ, Ribeiro AS, Costa B, et al. Volume reduction: which dose is sufficient to retain resistance training adaptations in older women?. International Journal of Sports Medicine. 2022; 43(01): 68-76.
13. Cunha PM, Nunes JP, Tomeleri CM, Nascimento MA, Schoenfeld BJ, Antunes M, et al. Resistance training performed with single and multiple sets induces similar improvements in muscular strength, muscle mass, muscle quality, and IGF-1 in older women: a randomized controlled trial. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2020; 34(4): 1008-16.
14. Correa CS, Teixeira BC, Bittencourt A, Lemos L, Marques NR, Radaelli R, et al. Effects of high and low volume of strength training on muscle strength, muscle volume and lipid profile in postmenopausal women. Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness. 2014; 12(2): 62-7.
15. Radaelli R, Brusco CM, Lopez P, Rech A, Machado CL, Grazioli R, et al. Higher muscle power training volume is not determinant for the magnitude of neuromuscular improvements in elderly women. Experimental Gerontology. 2018; 110: 15-22.
16. Abrahin O, Rodrigues RP, Nascimento VC, Da Silva-Grigoletto ME, Sousa EC, Marçal AC. Single-and multiple-set resistance training improves skeletal and respiratory muscle strength in elderly women. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2014; 9: 1775-82.
17. Radaelli R, Botton CE, Wilhelm EN, Bottaro M, Lacerda F, Gaya A, et al. Low-and high-volume strength training induces similar neuromuscular improvements in muscle quality in elderly women. Experimental Gerontology. 2013; 48(8): 710-6.
18. Radaelli R, Botton CE, Wilhelm EN, Bottaro M, Brown LE, Lacerda F, et al. Time course of low-and high-volume strength training on neuromuscular adaptations and muscle quality in older women. Age. 2014; 36(2): 881-92.
19. Barzegari M, Shojaedin SS, Bayat Tork M. The effect of 8-week strength training, balance training and combined training on the dynamic and static balance of the elderly inactive men. Physical Treatments Specific Physical Therapy Journal. 2019; 9(1): 15-22. [Persian]
20. Fatouros IG, Kambas A, Katrabasas I, Nikolaidis K, Chatzinikolaou A, Leontsini D, et al. Strength training and detraining effects on muscular strength, anaerobic power, and mobility of inactive older men are intensity dependent. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2005; 39(10): 776-80.
21. Fereshtehnejad SM, Hadizadeh H, Farhadi F, Shahidi GA, Delbari A, Lökk J. Reliability and validity of the Persian version of the fatigue severity scale in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease patients. Parkinson’s Disease. 2013; 2013(1): 1-7.
22. Hanssen KE., Kvamme NH, Nilsen TS, Rønnestad B, Ambjørnsen IK, Norheim F, et al. The effect of strength training volume on satellite cells, myogenic regulatory factors, and growth factors. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. 2013; 23(6): 728-39.
23. Cadore EL, Izquierdo M, Alberton CL, Pinto RS, Conceição M, Cunha G, et al. Strength prior to endurance intra-session exercise sequence optimizes neuromuscular and cardiovascular gains in elderly men. Experimental Gerontology. 2012; 47(2): 164-9.
24. Kido A, Tanaka N, Stein RB. Spinal excitation and inhibition decrease as humans age. Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology. 2004; 82(4): 238-48.
25. Christie A, Kamen G. Doublet discharges in motoneurons of young and older adults. Journal of Neurophysiology. 2006; 95(5): 2787-95.
26. Curtin D, Cadwallader CJ, Taylor EM, Andrews SC, Stout JC, Hendrikse JJ, et al. Ageing attenuates exercisenhanced motor cortical plasticity. The Journal of Physiology. 2023; 601(24): 5733-50.
27. Borde R, Hortobágyi T, Granacher U. Dose–response relationships of resistance training in healthy old adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine. 2015; 45(12): 1693-720.
28. Liu CJ, Chang WP, de Carvalho IA, Savage KE, Radford LW, Thiyagarajan JA. Effects of physical exercise in older adults with reduced physical capacity: meta-analysis of resistance exercise and multimodal exercise. International Journal of Rehabilitation Research. 2017; 40(4): 303-14.
29. Papa EV, Dong X, Hassan M. Resistance training for activity limitations in older adults with skeletal muscle function deficits: a systematic review. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2017; 12: 955-61.
30. Fragala MS, Cadore EL, Dorgo S, Izquierdo M, Kraemer WJ, Peterson MD, et al. Resistance training for older adults: position statement from the national strength and conditioning association. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2019; 33(8): 2019-52.
31. Leitão L, Venturini GR, Junior RP, Monteiro ER, Telles LG, Araújo G, et al. Impact of different resistance training protocols on balance, quality of life and physical activity level of older women. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022; 19(18): 1-9.
32. Ransdell LB, Wayment HA, Lopez N, Lorts C, Schwartz AL, Pugliesi K, et al. The impact of resistance training on body composition, muscle strength, and functional fitness in older women (45–80 years): a systematic review (2010–2020). Women. 2021; 1(3): 143-68.
33. Sherrington C, Whitney JC, Lord SR, Herbert RD, Cumming RG, Close JC. Effective exercise for the prevention of falls: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2008; 56(12): 2234-43.
34. Sherrington C, Michaleff ZA, Fairhall N, Paul SS, Tiedemann A, Whitney J, et al. Exercise to prevent falls in older adults: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2017; 51(24): 1750-8.
35. Zouita S, Zouhal H, Ferchichi H, Paillard T, Dziri C, Hackney AC, et al. Effects of combined balance and strength training on measures of balance and muscle strength in older women with a history of falls. Frontiers in Physiology. 2020; 11: 1-13.
36. Boiko Ferreira LH, Schoenfeld BJ, Smolarek AC, McAnulty SR, Mascarenhas LP, Souza Junior TP. Effect of 12 weeks of resistance training on motor coordination and dynamic balance of older woman. Rejuvenation Research. 2021; 24(3): 191-7.
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
