36-Week personalized resistance training improves muscle function and circulating myokines in older women with possible sarcopenic obesity: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND

This study aims to explore the effects of personalized resistance training on muscle function and serum myokines in possible sarcopenic obese older women.

METHODS

25 possible SO older women were randomly divided into exercise group (n = 13) and control group (n = 12). According to the FITT-VP principle, personalized resistance training programs were developed based on their individual health differences. The training was implemented in three stages with gradually increasing intensity from low to moderate. Each session lasted 40 min, 3 times a week, for a total of 36 weeks. Body composition, muscle function, and serum myokines (irisin, IGF-1, and myostatin) were tested before and after the intervention in both groups.

RESULTS

The intervention yielded significant between-group improvements in body fat percentage (P < 0.05, Hedges' g = 1.42), ASMI (P < 0.01, Hedges' g = 1.79), HGS (P < 0.01, Hedges' g = 1.91), 6-metre walk speed (P < 0.01, Hedges' g = 1.36), five times sit-to-stand performance (P < 0.05, Hedges' g = 1.08), and TUG (P < 0.01, Hedges' g = 1.20). After 36 weeks, the exercise group also showed higher IGF-1 (P < 0.05, Hedges' g = 1.46) and lower MSTN (P < 0.01, Hedges' g = 1.02) levels compared to controls.

CONCLUSION

The 36-week personalized resistance training program results in elevated serum IGF-1 concentrations and reduced myostatin levels, alongside independent improvements in muscle strength and muscle function among older women with probable sarcopenic obesity.

© 2025. The Author(s).