Resistance Training as a Health-Promoting Intervention in Adults: A Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.66.74147Keywords
resistance training, strenght training, health promotion, sarcopenia, metabolic health, physical activityAbstract
Background. Resistance training is a clinically relevant form of physical activity that may improve health beyond gains in muscle strength.
Aim. This review summarizes evidence on resistance training as a health-promoting intervention in adults.
Material and methods. A narrative literature review was conducted using full-text medical articles and current physical activity recommendations, with emphasis on systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized trials and clinically oriented reviews concerning adult populations.
Results. The reviewed evidence indicates that resistance training improves muscle strength, lean mass, physical performance and functional independence. Benefits are particularly relevant for older adults at risk of sarcopenia, adults with overweight or obesity, patients with metabolic disorders, and people undergoing rehabilitation. Favorable effects were also reported for body composition, insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, bone and muscle health, quality of life, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and self-efficacy.
Conclusions. Resistance training should be considered an important component of health promotion and disease prevention in adults. Programs should involve major muscle groups at least two days per week and be adapted to health status, training experience and safety needs.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Natalia Drobińska, Hanna Kasprzak , Yana Lavrenchuk, Krzysztof Wichman , Kacper Jaskulski
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