Date of Award

2017

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Kinesiology

Department

Kinesiology

First Advisor

Matthew J. Delmonico

Abstract

Sarcopenia is defined as the progressive, age related loss of lean muscle mass, which in turn has been associated with osteoporosis, decreases in physical function, and loss of independence. Newly established sarcopenia classification criteria include measures of appendicular lean mass (ALM), grip strength, and gait speed. Periodized resistance training (PRT) has been investigated in older adults, however the impact of PRT, particularly daily undulating periodized resistance training (DUP) on current sarcopenia classification criteria is unknown. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effects of a 10-week DUP intervention on sarcopenia classification in older women. Inactive women (n=25) aged 72.3±4.6 years, who were sarcopenic or symptomatic, were randomized to a DUP group or an active control group (CON) and trained three days per week for 10 weeks. Measures of ALM, grip strength, and gait speed were recorded at baseline and post-intervention and sarcopenia was classified using established criteria. Other measures included upper and lower body strength, and global physical functioning. A McNemar’s test found no significant within- or between-group changes in sarcopenia classification. Mixed models analyses found both groups significantly improved gait speed (DUP: p=0.001, CON: p<0.001) but DUP significantly increased grip strength compared to CON (p=0.036). There were no significant changes in ALM for either group. Both groups significantly improved upper and lower body strength (p<0.001) and global physical function (DUP: p=0.039, CON: p=0.008). Results indicate DUP increases strength and function, but does not significantly alter sarcopenia classification compared to CON. However, results are limited by sample size and demonstrate the need for future research to investigate trials in larger samples with longer durations.

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