Resistance Training Improves Lung Function, Respiratory and Peripheral Muscle Strength and Pulmonary Immune Response in Older Adults without COPD

Although the benefits of resistance training program (RTP) for older adults is known, its effects on lung function, respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, and pulmonary immune response in older adults are unknown. This study tested whether a 12-week RTP (7 exercises, 4 sets of 15 repetitions, at moderate intensity, 3x/week) could modulate the parameters described above. 31 older adults were submitted to evaluation of lung function, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, functional capacity, and pulmonary immune response. The RTP improved peak expiratory flow (66.53±18.72 vs 73.81±18.65, p<0.0351), while improved the maximal inspiratory pressure (−44.51±23.66 vs -58.70±23.24; p<0.0034) and maximal expiratory pressure (64.51±27.68 vs 75.00±21.28; p<0.0014). It also improved hand grip strength (23.00±6.06 vs 25.00±6.05; p<0.0001) and functional capacity evaluated by 1 minute sit to stand test (28.64±13.24 vs 42.17±17.28; p<0.0004). The oxygen saturation (SpO2) was improved by RTP, once before the training period, SpO2 significantly reduced after the test (96.70±1.31 vs 94.00±4.08; p<0.0001), which has been prevented after the training period, since SpO2 did not reduce after the test (95.88±1.96 vs 95.47±1.75; p>0.05). RTP reduced the levels of pulmonary (breath condensate) of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 (84.36±11.84 vs 77.84±5.12; p<0.0102) while increased the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (7.86±5.45 vs 37.33±46.42; p<0.0092). In conclusion, a 12-week RTP improved PEF, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, pulmonary immune response, and functional capacity in older adults.