Abstract

Background: At present, it is unclear whether older, obese persons with or without sarcopenia respond differently to training. Furthermore, there are no differentiated recommendations for resistance training for this special target group. Objectives: The objectives are to investigate the changes in the physical parameters of older, obese men caused by training and to reappraise the modalities of resistance training for older persons. Design: Pre-test-post-test design. Participants: The participants were 33 physically inactive and obese older men (≥ 65 years, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), with-out severe diseases. Subjects were divided into two groups: NSAR (no or presarcopenia, n= 15) or SAR (sarcopenia, n= 18). Intervention: The intervention consisted of progressive resistance training, twice a week for 16 weeks with finally 80-85% of maximum strength and three sets with 8-12 repetitions. The training contained six exercises for the major muscle groups. Measurements: Sarcopenia was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), hand-grip strength, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), and gait speed over a 6-meter walkway. Furthermore, the maximum dynamic strength (1 RM) was assessed. Results: At baseline, the NSAR group had significantly better values in SMI, SPPB score, hand-grip strength, and 1 RM. After training, the results in both groups displayed an increase in 1 RM at the lower limbs (NSAR 18%, SAR 38%) and the upper limbs (NSAR 12%, SAR 14%). Also, the SPPB score (NSAR 11%, SAR 15%) and the 6-m-gait speed (NSAR 5%, SAR 10%) increased. The SAR group was able to increase their right hand-grip strength by 12%, whereas the NSAR group maintained their initial high strength values. SMI did not change in both groups. Conclusions: Both groups show improvements after resistance training with slightly more benefits for men with sarcopenia. Results of this study can be used to define specific training regimens for N(SAR) subjects.