Journal of

Introduction and purpose: Sarcopenia is associated with reduced muscle mass, declined strength and pulmonary function in old age. The purpose of this study was to investigate effect of eight weeks resistance training on hypertrophy and physiologic parameters among elderly man.

Martials and methods: 24 elderly male subjects were randomly divided into two groups: experimental (n = 13) and controls (n = 11). Experimental group participated in resistance training programs 3 days a week for 8 weeks while; no exercise program was offered to controls.

We measured muscle volume by CT scan, FVC and FEV₁ by spirometry.  Aerobic and anaerobic powers were evaluated before and after the training period.

Findings: The results showed that the sectional area (p=0/001) and muscle volume (p=0/004), were increased in the experimental group. In addition, subjects in experimental group had higher FVC (p=0/001) and FEV₁ (p=0/001), aerobic power (p=0/001), upper body (p=0/001) and lower (p=0/001) anaerobic power compared to controls.

Conclusion: Eight weeks of resistance training lead to enhanced muscle volume which may eventually improve physiological factors among elderly men. Therefore, resistance trainings can be considered as effective and safe programs to mitigate sarcopenia among elderly.