Resistance training increased muscle volume in women after menopause
Women with hot flushes gained muscle volume during supervised training, while measured muscle fat infiltration did not change.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
In this trial, supervised resistance training increased muscle volume compared with keeping activity low. Strength also improved within the training group, but the abstract reports strength testing only for that group. Muscle fat infiltration did not change, so gains in size and strength did not coincide with improvement in every muscle measure.
Imaging results came from a subset of participants, and strength lacked a reported control-group comparison. These findings concern women with hot flushes and low activity.
What researchers found
Muscle volume increase within the training group
From baseline to 15 weeks; p < 0.001. Controls showed no change. This is a within-group percentage, not the between-group effect size.
What imaging captured
Scans measured muscle volume and fat within muscle before and after the program. The groups differed significantly in changes in muscle volume, while the abstract reported no change in muscle fat infiltration.
Strength needs context
Strength improved across the muscles tested in the training group. Because the abstract describes strength measurements only in that group, it does not supply a direct estimate of strength gains relative to controls.
The original publication
Effects of resistance training on postmenopausal women's muscle strength, muscle volume and muscle fat infiltration: A secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial.
Thorell S, West J, Lindblom H et al.
Maturitas · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41687563
- Record checked
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