Suspension Training Improves the Muscle Quality of Older Adults

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the effect of suspension training (ST) on muscle quality (MQ) in older adults. Methods Twenty-two physically independent elderly men and women were recruited and assigned to ST or control groups (CON). The MQ of the upper limbs (UL) and lower limbs (LL) was established by a ratio between maximum dynamic strength and lean body mass (LBM), assessed through the 1RM test and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, respectively, before and after a 12-week intervention period. The significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results The ST was able to promote increases in the strength of the UL and LL ( P < 0.0001). However, only LBM UL increased after 12 weeks of ST (P = 0.031) compared to CON. ST increased MQ for both QM UL ( P = 0.011) and MQ LL ( P < 0.0001), while the CON group did not show any significant changes ( P > 0.05). Conclusion these results indicate that ST can improve the MQ of older adults.