Nemati P, Barzegari Marvast H, Mosayebi Z. Effects of Resistance Training with/without Vitamin D on Muscle Strength, Walking Speed, and Muscle Mass in Elderly Women with Sarcopenia. 3 2025; 17 (4) :391-397 URL: http://ijwph.daneshafarand.org/article-3-85663-en.html
Aims:This study aimed to examine the Effects of Resistance Training With and Without Vitamin D Supplementation on Muscle Strength, Walking Speed, and Muscle Mass in Elderly Women with Sarcopenia. Methodology:In this semi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design, 40 elderly women with sarcopenia (mean age = 62.6 ± 3.27 years) from Aligoudarz city were randomly assigned to four groups: resistance training + vitamin D, resistance training only, vitamin D only, and control (n = 10 each). Resistance training was performed in 24 sessions, while supplementation groups received vitamin D (50,000 IU weekly). Muscle strength, walking speed, and muscle mass were measured before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using t-tests and one-way ANOVA with Duncan’s post hoc test at α = 0.05. Findings:Resistance training, with or without vitamin D supplementation, significantly improved muscle strength (P = 0.001), walking speed (P = 0.001), and muscle mass in elderly women with sarcopenia. However, no significant differences were observed between the combined intervention (resistance training + vitamin D) and resistance training alone in these physical fitness outcomes (P ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: Resistance training significantly enhances muscle strength, walking speed, and muscle mass in elderly women with sarcopenia. Vitamin D supplementation did not provide additional benefits beyond those achieved through resistance training alone, suggesting that exercise remains the primary intervention for improving physical fitness in this population.