Minimally supervised home-based resistance training and muscle function in older adults: A meta-analysis.

In an attempt to define feasible means to improve compliance with current recommendations on resistance training in older subjects, published evidence on the efficacy and safety of minimally supervised home-based resistance training (MSHBRT) on muscle strength and functionality was systematically evaluated in this population segment for the first time. We performed a meta-analysis using the following data sources: MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE and Cochrane, with a total of 1160 subjects with a mean age of 72 ± 6.3 years. MSHBRT modestly increased lower body strength (MD 0.6 Kg, 95% CI, 0.16-1.04) in a diverse population of older adults including subjects with significant age-related diseases. Although earlier evidence indicates that larger increments in muscle performance and function can be attained through more intense and directly supervised resistance training, MSHBRT may comprise a useful and inexpensive method to preserve and even enhance lower body muscle strength in older adults.