Document Type

Honors Project

First Advisor

Dr. R.J. Shute

Degree Award Date

2025

Keywords

resistance training, exercise benefits, geriatric population, sarcopenia, cardiovascular system, neuromuscular, testosterone, cortisol

Disciplines

Anatomy | Exercise Physiology | Exercise Science

Abstract

Sarcopenia is the decrease in muscle mass throughout the body that occurs with aging. This condition is prevalent in the geriatric population (60+ years) due to the body's physiological systems overworking to try and keep up with the demands of the surrounding environment. Resistance training is an effective way for increasing or maintaining skeletal muscle mass. This literature review begins by covering the common health effects regarding the cardiovascular, neuromuscular and hormonal systems as humans age. Then is followed by an analysis of previous literature and experimental studies that discuss the effects of resistance training on the bodily systems. Implications are drawn based on the analysis of results from these studies to determine if there are positive effects of resistance training that can lead to better physical wellness for the older population.

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