Resistance training increases total energy expenditure and free-living physical activity in older adults

The purpose of this study was to determine what effects 26 wk of resistance training have on resting energy expenditure (REE), total free-living energ y expenditure (TEE), activity-related energy expenditure (AEE), engage ment in free-living physical activity as measured by the activity-related time equivalent (ARTE) index, and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) in 61- to 77- yr-old men (n = 8) and women (n = 7). Before and after training, body compo sition (four-compartment model), strength, REE, TEE (doubly labeled water), AEE (TEE - REE + thermic response to meals), and ARTE (AEE adjusted for en ergy cost of standard activities) were evaluated. Strength (36%) and fat-fr ee mass (2 kg) significantly increased, but body weight did not change. REE increased 6.8%, whereas resting RER decreased from 0.86 to 0.83. TEE (12%) and ARTE (38%) increased significantly, and AEE (30%) approached significa nce (P = 0.06). The TEE increase remained significant even after adjustment for the energy expenditure of the resistance training. In response to resi stance training, TEE increased and RER decreased. The increase in TEE occur red as a result of increases in both REE and physical activity. These resul ts suggest that resistance training may have value in increasing energy exp enditure and Lipid oxidation rates in older adults, thereby improving their metabolic profiles.