Resistance-type Exercise Training in the Older Population

Background: Aging is associated with muscle mass and strength loss and "oldest" old people (≥85 y) are at a far greater risk of developing sarcopenia. Training increases muscle mass and strength in a variety of populations, yet the efficacy has not been clearly defined for individuals in the fourth age (≥80 y). Hypothesis: The following hypotheses will be investigated: * Twelve weeks of progressive resistance-type exercise training increases muscle mass and strength in young old (65-75 y) and oldest old (85 y and over) subjects. * The training-induced increase in muscle mass and strength is relatively greater in young old subjects when compared to oldest old subjects. Goals: The primary aim of this study is to compare the effect of resistance-type exercise training on skeletal muscle mass (i.e. quadriceps cross-sectional area and whole body lean mass) in young old and oldest old subjects. Specific goals * Determine whether resistance-type exercise training can increase muscle mass and muscle strength in young old and oldest old subjects. * Determine whether resistance-type exercise training can improve physical performance in young old and oldest old subjects. * Identify whether inflammatory markers (i.e., TNFα, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13) are up- or down-regulated in young old and oldest old subjects before and after resistance-type exercise training. Methodology: Study design Sixty older females and males (young old group: n=30, 65-75 y; oldest old group: n=30, 85 y and over) will be included in this prospective clinical trial. All volunteers will be subjected to 12 weeks of whole-body resistance-type exercise training (3x/wk). Before, and after 6 and 12 weeks of training, a computed tomography (CT) scan of the upper leg will be performed to assess quadriceps cross sectional area. On those days, fasting blood samples will be obtained and whole-body dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan will also be performed. Maximal strength will be determined by 1-re