The Impact of Resistance Training on Body Composition, Muscle Strength and Physical Performance in Elderly Patients with Sarcopenia: A systematic review with meta-analysis of prescription dosage and underlying mechanisms

Abstract Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to resolve critical gaps in our understanding of resistance training (RT) for managing sarcopenia in older adults. It examines: (i) improvements in body composition and physical performance, (ii) the role of moderating factors such as age and training intensity, and (iii) the existence of a dose-response relationship using the FITT-VP framework. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to collect studies evaluating RT impacts on older adults with sarcopenia. Data on body composition, muscle strength, and walking ability were extracted and analyzed. Moderator analyses assessed the influence of individual and intervention-related characteristics. Results: The analysis confirms RT’s efficacy in enhancing muscle mass and physical function in older adults, identifying key training parameters that align with optimal outcomes. The study provides evidence of a dose-response relationship, demonstrating the potential for tailored intervention strategies that cater to specific clinical requirements. Conclusion: This research not only supports RT as an effective intervention but also guides its optimization through the FITT-VP framework. These findings contribute to more precise, evidence-based clinical guidelines, enabling practitioners to develop individualized RT protocols tailored to mitigate sarcopenia-related functional decline effectively.