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The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of a progressive resistance training (RT) program on C-reactive protein (CRP), blood glucose (GLU), and lipid profile in older women with differing levels of RT experience. Sixty-five older women (68.9 ± 6.1 years, 67.1 ± 13.1 kg) were separated according to RT experience: an advanced group composed by 35 participants who previously carried out 24 weeks of RT and a novice group composed by 30 participants without previous experience in RT (n = 30). Both groups performed a RT program comprised of eight exercises targeting all the major muscles. Training was carried out 3 days/week for 8 weeks. Serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), GLU, and CRP concentrations were determined pre- and post- intervention after 12 h fasting. A significant group by time interaction (P < 0.05) for the TC (novice = −1.9 % vs. advanced = 1.0 %), and CRP (novice = −22.9 % vs. advanced = −54.5 %) was observed. A main effect of time (P < 0.05) was identified for the GLU (novice = −2.6 % vs. advanced = −6.6 %), TG (novice = −12.9 % vs. advanced = −5.7 %), HDL-C (novice = +6.7 % vs. advanced = +2.6 %), and LDL-C (novice = −34.0 % vs. advanced = −25.4 %). These results suggest that RT improves the metabolic profile of older women and that training for a longer period of time seems to produce more pronounced reductions mainly on CRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of resistance training (RT) performed with different frequencies followed by a detraining period on muscular strength and oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers in older women. Twenty-seven physically independent women (68.8 ± 4.8 years, 69.1 ± 14.3 kg, 156.0 ± 6.5 cm, and 28.3 ± 4.9 to kg.m−2) were randomly assigned to perform a RT program for 2 or 3 days per week (G2X = 13 vs. G3X = 14) for 12 weeks followed by 12 weeks of detraining period. One repetition maximum (1RM) tests were used as measures of muscular strength (three exercises, three attempts for each exercise, 3–5 min of rest between attempts, and 5 min of rest between exercises). Advanced oxidized protein products (AOPP) and total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP) were used as oxidative stress indicators. Both groups increased muscular strength after 12 weeks of training (P < 0.05) in chest press (G2X = +11.9 % vs. G3X = +27.5 %, P < 0.05), knee extension (G2X = +18.4 % vs. G3X = +16.7 %, P > 0.05), and preacher curl (G2X = +37.6 % vs. G3X = +36.7 %, P > 0.05). On the other hand, 12 weeks of detraining were not sufficient to eliminate the major effects produced by RT on muscular strength, although a significant decrease (P < 0.05) has been observed for chest press (G3X = −9.1 % vs. G2X = −10.2 %, P > 0.05), knee extension (G2X = −14.9 % vs. G3X = −12.1 %, P > 0.05), and preacher curl (G2X = −20.5 % vs. G3X = −17.4 %, P > 0.05). Pre- to post-training, both groups showed significant (P < 0.05) increases in TRAP (G2X = +6.9 % vs. G3X = +15.1 %) with no statistical significant difference between the groups (P > 0.05), and the scores remained elevated compared to pre-training after 12 weeks of detraining. AOPP was not changed by RT or detraining (P > 0.05). The results suggest that a 12-week RT program with a frequency of 2 days per week may be sufficient to improve muscular strength and OS in older women and detraining for 12 weeks does not completely reverse the changes induced by RT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]