Heavy resistance exercise training in older men: A responder and inter-individual variability analysis

BACKGROUND: The extent of inter-individual variability in response to heavy resistance exercise training (HReT), and the possible existence of non-responders, remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the degree of variability in response to prolonged HReT in healthy older men.

METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of an 8- and 16-week intervention involving thrice-weekly HReT (EX) or continuation of a sedentary lifestyle (SED). Fifty-eight healthy men (age 72 ± 5) were randomized to EX (n = 38) or SED (n = 20). Assessments were conducted at baseline, 8-weeks, and 16-weeks for five outcomes: maximal voluntary contraction strength (MVC), rate of force development (RFD), quadriceps cross-sectional area (qCSA), and type I and II myofibre cross-sectional area (fCSA). Inter-individual variability was assessed using the standard deviation of individual responses (SDIR). Individual changes relative to a Typical Error were used to classify responders as Poor, Trivial, Robust, or Excellent.

RESULTS: 16 weeks of EX led to group-level increases in MVC (19 ± 14%), RFD (58 ± 80%), qCSA (3 ± 4%), and type II fCSA (14 ± 25%), with no changes in SED. Substantial inter-individual variability was observed. After 16 weeks, 82% of EX participants were classified as Robust or Excellent responders; only 5% were Poor responders. Training compliance and 1RM progression did not explain this variability. Lower baseline levels were linked to greater improvements but did not fully account for response differences.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides strong evidence of inter-individual variability in response to HReT among healthy older men. Given the rarity of true non-responders, our data support HReT as the universally recommended first-line strategy for enhancing muscle mass and strength.