Resistance training improved muscle function across reviews of healthy adults
An overview found broad gains versus no exercise, while only some program features consistently influenced specific training outcomes.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
This abstract-based overview found that resistance training improved strength, muscle size, power, and several physical-function measures in healthy adults compared with no exercise. Some program features were linked to larger gains in particular outcomes, but many were not consistently influential. The findings describe group-level training results within the studied timeframes.
The abstract reports which outcomes improved but provides no pooled effect sizes or confidence intervals. It does not establish how these findings apply to people with health conditions.
What researchers found
Muscle strength, size, and power
Resistance training versus no exercise in trials lasting 6-52 weeks; the abstract gives no numerical effect sizes or measurement scales.
Different goals, different results
The review distinguished strength, muscle growth, and power as separate outcomes. Heavier loads were linked with greater strength gains, while higher training volume was linked with greater muscle growth.
Inconsistent differences need care
Equipment type, exercise complexity, and training to momentary muscle fatigue did not consistently change outcomes. That inconsistency does not establish that these features are interchangeable for every person or program.
The original publication
American College of Sports Medicine Position Stand. Resistance Training Prescription for Muscle Function, Hypertrophy, and Physical Performance in Healthy Adults: An Overview of Reviews.
Currier BS, D'Souza AC, Singh MAF et al.
Med Sci Sports Exerc · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41843416
- Record checked
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