Weightlifting’s Impact on Cardiovascular Mortality Risk in Older Adults – New Research Reveals Promising Results

In recent years, aerobic exercise has been widely recommended for its potential to enhance health and longevity in adults. However, muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE) has received less attention despite its numerous health benefits. A comprehensive review by Jason A Bennie and colleagues highlighted the advantages of MSE, advocating for a public health campaign to promote its inclusion. This article examines a recent study by Jessica Gorzelitz, et al., which delves into the impact of weightlifting on cardiovascular mortality risk in older adults.

Study Findings

Gorzelitz and her team discovered that regular weightlifting, with or without moderate to vigorous aerobic activity, significantly reduces all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in older adults. What makes this finding particularly interesting is that the combination of weightlifting and aerobic exercise yields the most substantial benefits, resulting in a remarkable 40% lower risk of mortality compared to those who engage in neither activity. The study’s results were published in the esteemed British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Benefit Discrepancies

While physical activity guidelines endorse moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise alongside at least two days of muscle-strengthening exercise per week for all major muscle groups in adults, there has been limited research on the association between MSE and mortality. Furthermore, few studies have specifically examined the benefits of weightlifting. Therefore, this study makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of the topic.

Gender Differences

The study also shed light on the gender-specific impact of weightlifting. The benefits of weightlifting were more pronounced in women than in men, underscoring the importance of tailored exercise recommendations for different populations.

Potential Mechanisms

Though the study only establishes associations and not causation, Gorzelitz suggests potential physiological changes induced by weightlifting that could contribute to the observed mortality benefits. Weightlifting is known to enhance body composition, reducing fat and improving lean tissue, which have been associated with lower mortality rates. Additionally, weightlifting engages multiple muscle groups, increasing blood flow, cardiac output, and lung capacity. Moreover, the social aspect of weightlifting, typically performed in community centres or recreational facilities, may play a significant role in preventing isolation and promoting overall well-being among older adults.

Study Limitations

It is important to acknowledge the limitations of this study. The specific nature of weightlifting, including duration and weight used, was not determined. Additionally, the duration of weightlifting required to observe mortality benefits remains unclear. Despite these limitations, the study highlights the importance of even small amounts of exercise, as the group reporting no aerobic or weightlifting exercise demonstrated the lowest benefits.

Clinical Implications

The current findings support the existing evidence on the benefits of MSE, including improved bone mineral density, alleviation of depression and anxiety, and enhanced cardiometabolic health and daily functioning. As health professionals, we should consider incorporating muscle-strengthening exercises, particularly weightlifting, into our recommendations for older adults. Furthermore, promoting any form of physical activity, even on a small scale, is crucial for overall health and longevity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, weightlifting, either alone or in combination with aerobic exercise, significantly reduces the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among older adults. This study underscores the importance of promoting MSE, emphasizing the potential benefits of weightlifting for health professionals working with this demographic. By integrating weightlifting into exercise routines, health professionals can contribute to the overall well-being and longevity of their patients.

References

Bennie JA, et al. Muscle-strengthening exercise epidemiology: A new frontier in chronic disease prevention. Sports Med Open. 2020;6:40. https://sportsmedicine-open.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40798-020-00271-w

Gorzelitz J, et al. Independent and joint associations of weightlifting and aerobic activity with all-cause, cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. Br J Sports Med. 2022;56:1277-83. https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/56/22/1277