The clinical and physiological principle that the regular, progressive practice of resistance exercise serves as a powerful intervention to preserve functional independence, enhance metabolic health, and extend healthspan by mitigating age-related decline in muscle mass and bone density. This approach recognizes strength training as a potent hormonal modulator that counters the catabolic effects of sarcopenia and osteopenia. It is a foundational, non-pharmacological strategy for sustained vitality and reduced frailty risk.
Origin
This concept evolved from gerontology and exercise physiology, recognizing that simple endurance exercise is insufficient to counteract the accelerating loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) that occurs with age. It is based on decades of research demonstrating the dose-dependent anabolic effects of mechanical tension on musculoskeletal tissue. The term links a specific, measurable exercise modality directly to a critical long-term health outcome.
Mechanism
Resistance exercise provides mechanical tension that stimulates muscle protein synthesis via the mTOR pathway, increasing muscle fiber size and strength, which in turn improves systemic metabolic sink function. This type of training also increases the sensitivity of muscle tissue to anabolic hormones like testosterone and Growth Hormone, further promoting tissue repair. Furthermore, the mechanical loading stimulates osteoblasts, enhancing bone mineral density and reducing fracture risk, thus addressing two major determinants of aging.
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