J.P. Miller, M.A. Rubin, A.J. Smith, M.M. Smith, B.F. Hurley, A.P. Goldberg and R.E. Pratley, University of Maryland and Baltimore VAMC, College Park and Baltimore, Maryland 21218.

Objectives

This study tests whether strength training lowers insulin levels in older individuals by increasing insulin sensitivity (more efficient distribution and usage) and whether these changes are due to changes in body composition. Eleven healthy sedentary men 50-75 years whose diet and weight had been stabilized for one month, were measured for glucose and insulin responses and insulin sensitivity. Subjects trained 3 times per week for 16 weeks, exercising all major muscle groups on Keiser K-300 machines.

Results

Strength increased 38% with no change in weight or measures of aerobic capacity. Fat free mass increased and body fat decreased. Strength training did not change fasting insulin levels but improved the efficiency of insulin usage. There was no change in glucose tolerance. Insulin sensitivity increased 23% during both low and high insulin infusions. This increase in insulin sensitivity was independent of changes in fat free mass or percent body fat.

Summary

Strength training lowers insulin responses to glucose in older men by increasing insulin sensitivity (i.e. efficiency of use). The mechanism by which strength training improves insulin sensitivity remains to be determined but, in this study, does not seem to be related to body composition. Increased insulin sensitivity has significant implications for prevention and treatment of diabetes.

Keiser Equipment Used

Leg press, chest press, leg curl, leg extension, lat pull down, shoulder press, upper back, hip abductor, triceps and abdominal machines.

Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Geriatrics Society, Washington, D.C., 1992. This abstract won 1st place as the most outstanding research project at this conference.