The chief aim of this protocol is to determine the efficacy of negative work progressive resistance exercise (PRE) in the management of sarcopenia in older male Veterans at the DC VAMC. This proposed study is a randomized clinical trial using a single-arm, delayed cross-over design with repeated measures. This method is a patient-first approach to clinical research that permits all participants to receive the intervention while allowing the investigators to conduct both within subjects and between subjects comparisons with a modest study enrollment. During the pre-treatment period we will recruit, screen, and consent 30 older men with sarcopenia. The participants will be randomized into two groups: active treatment and delayed treatment. The initial active treatment and delayed treatment periods will last 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, the participants in the delayed treatment group will crossover (without a washout period) and start 12 weeks of intervention. All participants will detrain and be monitored for follow up during their respective 12-week post treatment period. Outcome measures include post-exercise changes in metabolic and inflammatory markers, muscle morphology, strength, and functional status.
The purpose of this study is to determine the benefits of negative work progressive resistance exercise (PRE) for the conservative management of sarcopenia in older male Veterans at the DC VAMC. Efficacy will be assessed by examining post-exercise changes in metabolic and inflammatory markers, muscle morphology, strength, and functional status.