Aerobic Training Does not Decrease the Prevalence of Sarcopenia in Older Women: Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Sarcopenia is one of the several syndromes that affect older adults individuals, being a growing area in the number of scientific productions. To compare the presence of sarcopenia among sedentary and active older adults, practitioners of different models of physical training. 115 individuals, aged 60 years or older, were evaluated for the presence of sarcopenia, according to the recommendations of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. The subjects were divided into 3 groups: a group of 47 sedentary older adults (CON), a group with 30 older adults practicing physical training with emphasis on resistance (RES), and a group of 38 older adults practicing physical training with aerobic emphasis (AER). Individuals still responded to the Wide Geriatric Anamnesis. The prevalence of sarcopenia was lower in RES (p < 0.001). Of the sarcopenia indicators, the skeletal muscle mass was the only one that did not present significant difference. However, strength and performance showed a statistically significant difference in favor of the resistance group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.006, respectively). The total prevalence of sarcopenia was 37.4%, being 46.8% in CON, 6.6% in RES and 37.3% in AER. Resistance training is effective on the counterattack and control of sarcopenia among the subjects assessed, with no difference in the presence of sarcopenia among training practitioners with emphasis aerobic, or sedentary.