Effects of resistance training, endurance training and whole-body vibration on lean body mass, muscle strength and physical performance in older people: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

• Published in: Age and ageing 2018-05, Vol.47 (3), p.367-373
• Main Authors: Lai, Chih-Chin, Tu, Yu-Kang, Wang, Tyng-Guey, Huang, Yi-Ting, Chien, Kuo-Liong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aerobics; Aged; Bias; Body mass; Elderly; Exercise; Exercise for the aged; Health aspects; High intensity interval training; Intervention; Lean body mass; Meta-analysis; Muscle strength; Older people; Physical training; Resistance; Sarcopenia; Strength training; Systematic review
• ISSN: 0002-0729; 1468-2834
• DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afy009

Abstract Background A variety of different types of exercise are promoted to improve muscle strength and physical performance in older people. Objective We aimed to determine the relative effects of resistance training, endurance training and whole-body vibration on lean body mass, muscle strength and physical performance in older people. Design A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Subjects Adults aged 60 and over. Methods Evidence from randomised controlled trials of resistance training, endurance training and whole-body vibration were combined. The effects of exercise interventions on lean body mass, muscle strength and physical performance were evaluated by conducting a network meta-analysis to compare multiple interventions and usual care. Risk of bias of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool. A meta-regression was performed to assess potential effect modifiers. Results Data were obtained from 30 trials involving 1,405 participants (age range: 60–92 years). No significant differences were found between the effects of exercise or usual care on lean body mass. Resistance training (minimum 6 weeks duration) achieved greater muscle strength improvement than did usual care (12.8 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.5–17.0 kg). Resistance training and whole-body vibration were associated with greater physical performance improvement compared with usual care (2.6 times greater [95% CI: 1.3–3.9] and 2.1 times greater [95% CI: 0.5–3.7], respectively). Conclusions Resistance training is the most effect intervention to improve muscle strength and physical performance in older people. Our findings also suggest that whole-body vibration is beneficial for physical performance. However, none of the three exercise interventions examined had a significant effect on lean body mass.