What is the Origin of Strength as Medicine?

The term originates from the convergence of exercise physiology, gerontology, and endocrinology, driven by the overwhelming evidence of sarcopenia's negative impact on healthspan and the systemic benefits of muscle hypertrophy. It represents a shift from viewing exercise merely as fitness to recognizing its profound biochemical and hormonal signaling effects.

What is the Mechanism of Strength as Medicine?

The mechanism is mediated by the mechanical loading of muscle fibers, which triggers complex anabolic signaling pathways, including the activation of mTOR, leading to protein synthesis and muscle growth. Furthermore, contracting muscle releases myokines, such as interleukin-6 and irisin, which exert paracrine and endocrine effects on other tissues, enhancing insulin sensitivity, improving bone mineral density, and promoting neurogenesis. This robust hormonal signaling cascade is a key regulator of systemic metabolic homeostasis.

Strength as Medicine ∞ Area

Strength as Medicine

Meaning

Strength as Medicine is a clinical paradigm that elevates resistance training and the maintenance of lean muscle mass to the status of a potent, multi-system therapeutic intervention for promoting metabolic health, longevity, and hormonal balance. This approach recognizes skeletal muscle as a vital endocrine organ that secretes myokines and acts as a primary sink for glucose disposal. Prescribing strength training is thus viewed as a non-pharmacological means of treating or preventing numerous chronic diseases.