A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Resistance Training on Quality of Life, Depression, Muscle Strength, and Functional Exercise Capacity in Older Adults Aged 60 Years or More

BACKGROUND: Aging is generally associated with numerous metabolic and physical changes that augment susceptibility to several chronic conditions, disability, and diminished quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigate the efficacy of resistance training on quality of life, depression, muscle strength, and functional exercise capacity in older adults (≥60 years). DATA SOURCES: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and Scopus up to December 20, 2021. RESULTS: 0.003) significantly improved following resistance training. No benefits were found for vitality, physical component score, total score of quality of life, and the 6-min walk distance. CONCLUSION: Preliminary evidence reveals that resistance training can be effective for improving most domains of quality of life, upper- and lower-limb muscle strength, handgrip strength, and depression in aged people. More proof is hence needed to draw solid conclusions.