Researchers: Lilian Maria Peixoto Lopes, Emerson Cruz de Oliveira, Lenice Kappes Becker, Guilherme de Paula Costa, Kelerson Mauro de Castro Pinto, André Talvani, Júlia Cristina Cardoso Carraro, Daniel Barbosa Coelho
Aging is a biological process during which chronic low-grade inflammation is present due to changes in the immune system of the elderly. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of resistance training associated with dietary advice on chronic inflammation in the elderly. We conducted a prospective intervention study in which we evaluated anthropometric parameters and inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, IL-8, CCL-2, and leptin) in 40 elderly people before and after long-term progressive resistance training (19 weeks) associated with dietary advice. The participants trained twice a week on nonconsecutive days, and the training lasted one hour with an intensity of 60-85% of 1-MR. Dietary advice was explained in person and individually focusing on foods rich in compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Participants were instructed at the beginning of the training program, and dietary advice was reinforced verbally weekly. There was an improvement in body composition evidenced by a reduction in waist circumference and body fat percentage and by the increase in arm circumference, calf circumference, and corrected arm muscle area. In addition, there was a reduction in the inflammatory biomarkers CCL-2 (p = 0.01) and leptin (p < 0.01). Resistance training associated with dietary guidance can contribute to a healthy aging due to observed improvements in body composition and in the inflammatory profile of the elderly.
References
- Evidence-based nutritional and pharmacological interventions targeting chronic low-grade inflammation in middle-age and older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Resistance Exercise Training as a Primary Countermeasure to Age-Related Chronic Disease.
- Fatty Acid Profile and Antioxidant Status Fingerprint in Sarcopenic Elderly Patients: Role of Diet and Exercise.