Effects of 16 weeks of resistance training on left ventricular morphology and systolic function in healthy men > 60 years of age

Resistance training (RT) has gained popularity as an effective form of exer cise for older adults. However, the effects of RT on left ventricular (LV) morphology and systolic function in older persons is not well known. The pu rpose of this study was to assess the effects of 16 weeks of RT on LV morph ology and systolic function in healthy older men. Subjects were randomly as signed into a RT group (n = 10; mean +/- SD age, 68 +/- 3 years) or a nonex ercise control group (n = 10; age 68 +/- 4 years). RT was performed 3 times per week for 16 weeks at a mean intensity between 60% and 80% of 1 repetit ion maximum. Leg and bench press 1 repetition maximum and 2-dimensional ech ocardiography were performed at baseline and after 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks o f training in the RT group. Sixteen weeks of RT was associated with an incr ease in leg press maximal strength (baseline, 285 +/- 48 kg; after 16 weeks , 367 +/- 47 kg; p <0.05) and bench press maximal strength (baseline, 59 +/ - 11 kg; after 16 weeks, 69 +/- 11 kg; p <0.05). No change in leg press max imal strength (baseline, 291 +/- 59 kg; after 16 weeks, 290 +/- 53 kg; p >0 .05) or bench press maximal strength (baseline, 60 +/- 9 kg; after 16 weeks , 61 +/- 13 kg; p >0.05) was found in control subjects during the same time . RT was not associated with changes in LV cavity size, wall thickness, mas s, or systolic function after 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks of exercise. Thus, 16 weeks of RT was sufficient to increase leg press and bench press maximal st rength but did not alter the size or systolic function of the senescent lef t ventricle. (C)2000 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.