Effects of Resistance Training on Lower-Extremity Muscle Power in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Background: Resistance training (RT) has been investigated as a potential intervention strategy for improving muscle function, but the effects on lower-extremity muscle power in middle-aged and older adults have not been systematically reviewed. Objective: The aim of this meta-analysis is to provide a quantitative estimate of the effect of RT on lower-extremity muscle power in middle-aged and older adults and to examine independent moderators of this relationship. Methods: Randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of RT on either leg press (LP) or knee extension (KE) muscle power in adults aged ≥50 years were included. Data were aggregated with meta-analytic techniques, and multi-level modeling was used to adjust for nesting effects. A total of 52 effects from 12 randomized controlled trials were analyzed with a random-effects model to estimate the effect of RT on lower-extremity muscle power. A multiple-regression analysis was conducted to examine independent moderators of the mean effect. Results: The adjusted aggregated results from all studies indicate that RT has a small-to-moderate effect on lower-extremity muscle power (Hedges’ d = 0.34, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.25–0.43), which translated to 54.90 watts (95 % CI 40.37–69.43). Meta-regression analyses indicated that high-velocity RT was superior to traditional RT (Δ = 0.62 vs. 0.20, respectively) for increasing lower-extremity muscle power. In addition, training volume significantly moderated the effect of RT on muscle power. Conclusion: The findings from this meta-analysis indicate that RT is an efficacious intervention strategy for improving LP and KE muscle power in adults aged ≥50 years. Training mode and volume independently moderate the effect of RT on lower-extremity muscle power, and should be considered when prescribing RT exercise for middle-aged and older adults.