Researchers in Brazil have found that resistance training improves sleep quality and reduces inflammation in older adults with sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss). Research published International Journal of Environmental Studies and Public Health.
The study involved 14 volunteers who were diagnosed with sarcopenia at the age of about 75 years. They did weight-bearing exercises three times a week for three months. Participants worked the main major muscle groups: chest, back, shoulders, arms and legs. They were also supported by physical education specialists, physiotherapists, nutritionists and doctors.
Participants who completed the resistance training program improved on all measures of muscle strength. There was also a reduction in blood levels of inflammatory markers and improved sleep, both subjective assessments and indicators obtained using polysomnography.
Sarcopenia affects 15% of adults over 60 and 46% of people over 80. The decrease in skeletal muscle mass with age leads to loss of muscle strength and performance, so the person cannot walk normally and perform other routine movements. Sarcopenia is associated with cognitive decline and increases the risk of injury and death.
The causes of the disease are chronic inflammation and sleep disorders that reinforce each other. Previous experiments by the researchers have shown a link between sleep deprivation and muscle wasting in mice. Scientists believe that weight training could be an important way to prevent sarcopenia.