Short-term resistance training enhances functional and physiological markers in older women

Implications for biomechanical and health interventions in aging

Bibliographic Data

ID22078239
AuthorsMine Akkuş Uçar (0000-0003-0479-5907, Mardin Artuklu University), Coşkun Yılmaz (0000-0002-2826-1566, Gümüşhane University, corresponding author), Hakan Hüseyin Soylu (0000-0003-3097-8643, Gümüşhane University), Barış Sarıakçalı (0000-0001-5133-1318, Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi), Cemalettin Budak (Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University), Korhan Kavuran (Bitlis Eren University), Mehmet Vakif Durmuşoğlu, Mehmet Vakıf Durmuşoğlu (0000-0002-4781-324X, Ministry of Youth and Sports), Levent Ceylan (0000-0002-3045-1211, Hitit Üniversitesi)
Year2025
Volume13
Pages1630525-1630525
Publication date2025-07-28
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2025.1630525
PMID40791617
OpenAlexW4412903654
LanguageEN
References cited56

Background The impact of resistance training extends beyond the enhancement of muscle strength, encompassing improvements in physical performance, postural stability, and overall functional capacity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 4-week resistance training program on functional capacity, respiratory muscle strength, diaphragm thickness, and liver density in healthy older women. Methods The study included 30 healthy women aged 60–80 years and was designed as a randomized controlled experimental trial. Participants were randomly assigned to a resistance training (RT) group or a control (CON) group. Each participant attended the laboratory on three occasions: during the initial visit, the study procedures were explained; the second visit involved baseline assessments (6MWT, diaphragm thickness and liver fat via ultrasound, and respiratory muscle strength); and final measurements were conducted after the 4-week training programme during the third visit. Results When pre- and post-training measurements were compared, the resistance training (RT) group demonstrated a significantly greater improvement (8.02%) in the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) distance compared to the control group ( p < 0.001). In terms of diaphragm thickness (DT), the RT group showed a 16.66% increase, whereas the control group exhibited a 1.13% decrease ( p < 0.001). Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) increased by 12.30% in the RT group, while it decreased by 7.25% in the control group, indicating a 19.55% greater improvement in the RT group ( p < 0.001). Regarding maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), a significant improvement of 21.48% was observed in the RT group, whereas a 0.75% decrease was recorded in the control group, resulting in a 22.23% greater enhancement in the RT group ( p < 0.001). Finally, liver density (LD) increased by 12.30% in the RT group, while it decreased by 7.25% in the control group ( p < 0.001). Conclusion As a result of resistance training, greater improvement was observed in functional capacity, respiratory muscle strength, diaphragm thickness and liver density in the training group compared to the control group

Diaphragm (acoustics) · Diaphragm muscle · Physical therapy · Psychological intervention · Randomized controlled trial · Resistance training · Respiratory system · Strength Training · Cardiovascular and exercise physiology · Exercise and Physiological Responses · Medicine · Nursing · Nutrition and Health in Aging · Internal Medicine

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