Strength Training

Pooled analyses found reductions in fat mass with resistance exercise, including when combined with diet compared with diet alone. Findings differ for body weight: one analysis found resistance exercise alone did not significantly reduce weight (WMD = −0.74 kg, 95% CI −3.72 to 2.23, P = 0.63).

A pooled analysis of randomized trials found a reduction in atherogenic index of plasma, with stronger effects among overweight or obese participants. Findings conflict: a separate analysis of 111 older people with SO found no significant differences in biomarker concentrations.

A pooled analysis of randomized trials found triglycerides improved compared with standard treatment among 1,180 people in its outcome analysis. Findings conflict: another pooled analysis of randomized trials reported no significant effect on triglycerides.

A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found exercise reduced heart rate among 794 people in its outcome analysis (SMD=0.71, 95% CI (0.32, 1.09)).

A pooled analysis of randomized trials involving 293 people in its quadriceps-mass analysis found that BFRT increased quadriceps mass versus control (SMD = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.11-1.53). By contrast, pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded found no significant improvement in SMI among 240 people (SMD = 0.13, 95% CI: -0.13 to 0.38), so findings differ across measures.

Pooled analyses found improved flexibility, including improved range-of-motion flexion in an analysis of 419 people. Findings are mixed: one review reported improvements in shoulder and low-waist flexibility in one study, while another found no statistically significant changes in either domain.

A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found high-speed resistance training improved stiffness, mostly measured with WOMAC, where lower scores indicate improvement. Findings about knee function differ: a pooled analysis of randomized trials found no statistically significant differences among active modalities.

Findings conflict: two studies reported improved spin control following CST interventions, while another pooled analysis reported that three trials found no significant improvement (p=0.07).

A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found a decrease in FAI in the trained PCOS group (−0.7, 95% CI: -1.3, -0.1), among 34 people in its outcome analysis.

A pooled analysis of randomized trials found HDL cholesterol improved compared with standard treatment among 1,180 people in its outcome analysis. Findings differ by comparison: a pooled analysis in postmenopausal women found aerobic exercise improved HDL-C, while other interventions did not differ significantly in pairwise comparisons.

A review reported that progressive resistance exercise improved nutritional status in people receiving maintenance haemodialysis. A separate pooled analysis found no significant difference in calcium intake (ES=0.20, 95% CI -0.10 to 0.52, p=0.19).

In one trial of 30 people, AUT fluency was higher after moderate-intensity resistance exercise (60% 1RM) than after low-intensity (40% 1RM) or high-intensity (80% 1RM) exercise.

In one trial of 27 people, differences between the experimental groups in pre-post constipation-subscale scores exceeded the MCID threshold of 10 points.

In one trial of 20 people, the VB_10% condition involved fewer repetitions and lower total training volume than the STD condition. The available finding reports fewer than 10 repetitions for squats, deadlifts, split squats and hip thrusts.

In one trial of 25 people with Sleep Apnea, resistance training reduced the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) by MD -24.5 events/hour compared with the control group.

A review of 187 people found that inspiratory muscle training improved FVC, while changes in FEV1 and FEV1/FVC were not statistically significant.

A review reported that the RT group’s spatial awareness improved by +40.0% versus +2.9% in the control group (Cohen's d = 0.85).

A review reported that PRET improved working memory, inhibitory control and selective attention compared with mFC.

A review described mixed findings in humans: acute resistance exercise increased circulating BDNF in some studies, but other studies found no change. The reported increase was transient.

Strength training targeting the scapular stabilizers and core musculature is described as improving postural alignment and reducing forward head posture and kyphosis.

Strength training is described as enhancing the body's ability to switch between carbohydrate and fat oxidation as energy demands change.

Regular strength training may reduce the frequency of exercise-associated muscle cramps in athletes and older adults, likely through improved neuromuscular control and muscle endurance.

The studies did not consistently support a benefit for liver steatosis in people with NAFLD: two trials found reductions with aerobic and resistance training, while another found no difference between resistance exercise and control.

The studies did not support an improvement in oxygen utilization: a pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found VO2max improvements that did not reach statistical significance (SMD = 0.30, 95% CI: −0.19 to 0.79, p = 0.10) among 203 people in its analysis.

The studies did not support improved swallowing function: a pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found an SMD of −0.47 (95% CI −1.02 to 0.09) in the low or uncertain compliance subgroup.

Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded found that resistance exercise during dietary weight loss increased fat mass loss, preserved fat-free mass, and improved muscle strength. Other analyses found reduced fat mass and percentage body fat, but findings conflict: a separate pooled analysis found no statistically significant changes in body fat percentage, BMI, fat mass, or lean body mass versus control.

Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded found reduced depressive symptoms with resistance or mixed exercise (SMD -0.89, 95% CI -1.36 to -0.42), and another found benefit over waitlist and usual care. The findings are not consistent: a narrative synthesis reported no change in depression or anxiety with resistance training programs.

Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded found reduced anxiety symptoms with resistance or mixed exercise (SMD -0.83, 95% CI -1.42 to -0.25). Findings conflict with another analysis, which found no significant advantage over waitlist.

Pooled randomized trials in adults with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² reported improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors with resistance training, including a reduction in diastolic blood pressure.

In adults ≥50 years with Osteoporosis, a pooled analysis found improved HRQoL with resistance training (MD = 10.58) and with short-term exercise (<20 weeks, MD = 9.91). Another analysis reported BMD improvements at LS, FN, and TH in postmenopausal women, but a separate result for BMD_FN was non-significant (WMD = 0.01 g/cm², 95% CI: −0.02 to 0.05), and clinical relevance for prevention or treatment remained unclear.

A review covering 16 RCTs in breast cancer survivors reported improvements in muscle strength, functional capacity, and physical function, though certainty was very low. Separate pooled results could not establish a preventive effect on lymphedema occurrence, arm volume, quality of life, pain, range of motion, or grip strength; resistance training was probably safe with mild transient adverse events.

A review found resistance training improved MMSE, MoCA, and CAMCOG scores in people with Dementia (SMD 0.60, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.95). Findings conflict with another review: Fit4Alz found no significant cognitive benefit, DAPA reported slightly greater cognitive decline in the exercise group (ADAS-Cog +1.4, p=0.03), and that review concluded exercise should not be recommended specifically to improve cognition in dementia.

A review covering 17 studies of 993 women with Fibromyalgia reported that pain decreased in 70.59% of analyzed literature, functionality improved in 58.82%, and quality of life improved in 41.18%. It described progressive resistance exercise starting at 40% 1RM.

A review reported that systematic strength training improved body composition, muscle strength, and BMD in postmenopausal women. In contrast, systemic leptin levels remained unchanged across exercise modalities, with all 95% CrIs encompassing zero (RT: SMD = -0.68, 95% CrI [-4.20, 2.83]).

Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded found results favoring resistance training for pain (SMD 0.84, 95% CI 0.11–1.57), muscle strength (SMD 1.03, 0.29–1.77), self-reported function (SMD 1.58, 0.15–3.01), and performance-based function (SMD 0.74, 0.38–1.11). In one trial of 40 people, contralateral strength training improved Lysholm scores and bilateral muscle activation compared with conventional rehabilitation alone in the early postoperative phase.

A pooled analysis of randomized trials in youth with cerebral palsy at GMFCS levels I–III found a small improvement in lower-limb strength (Hedges' g = 0.46, 95% CI [0.26-0.66]) with progressive resistance training.

A pooled analysis found improved quality of life and 6MWT functional capacity with resistance and aerobic training in people with Cirrhosis, with no reported adverse events. The review cautioned that evidence was insufficient for Child-Pugh C.

Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded found that exercise in people undergoing dialysis reduced IL-6 (SMD −0.46), TNF-α (SMD −0.67) and CRP (SMD −0.50), and increased IL-10 (SMD 0.63).

A pooled analysis found LDL reductions of −0.10 mmol/L with low-intensity resistance training and −0.16 mmol/L with progressive-intensity training.

Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded reported lower TSH with LT4 + RT and LT4 + AT + RT than with placebo (SMD −2.86 and −3.97), along with improvements in QoL, PFS and MHS compared with LT4 alone.

Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded, based on a single study that included older participants, reported that UP reduced insulin resistance more than LP in men.

A review reported that resistance exercise improved lean or fat-free mass and reduced body fat percentage in PCOS, with some metabolic and hormonal effects. The resistance-exercise findings came from 2 small RCTs.

Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded reported improved or maintained β-cell function and glycemic outcomes in adults with prediabetes; studies involving prediabetic people often showed stronger recovery than studies in people with established diabetes.

In pregnant women, strength training programs lasting ≥12 weeks, with 1-2 sessions/week at moderate-to-vigorous intensity, improved HRQoL and associated outcomes.

A meta-analysis of 6 RCTs involving 277 patients found improvements in cardiopulmonary function, functional capacity, general health status, vitality and mental health with physical activity interventions. It found no significant effects on pain, fatigue, social aspects or ESSDAI.

Pooled randomized trials in stroke survivors found improvements in walking capacity, balance, functional ability, and walking speed. The findings were reported alongside high risk of bias and certainty ranging from very low to moderate.

A review found beneficial effects on motor function in people with Alzheimer's Disease, while cognitive evidence was limited and very low certainty. A separate review found no significant cognitive effect from combined aerobic and resistance training (SMD 0.19, 95% CI −0.06 to 0.43).

In a trial involving 25 adults with moderate to severe Sleep Apnea, the resistance-training group had a significant reduction in AHI versus stretching control (p=0.015). However, pooled randomized trials found

In a pilot trial involving 27 people with Colon Cancer, supervised resistance training added to home-based activity improved fatigue and constipation, exceeding MCID of 10 points on EORTC QLQ-C30; no adverse events were reported.

A pilot randomized trial in 36 people with leukemia found improvements in lean mass, grip strength, cognitive fatigue and sleep disturbance, but no difference in frailty; the intervention was reported as feasible and safe.

A review reported reduced frailty risk with BST in community-dwelling older adults, while pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded found no significant reduction in serum MSTN among frail older adults.

A review reported that CAAET, including strength training, improved psychopathology and aerobic fitness in people with Binge Eating Disorder; it also described PED-t as effective in this condition.

A review of 3 included studies reported acute post-exercise glucose reductions, reduced insulin requirements, and strength gains in people with Diabetes Type 1. The authors recommended resistance training with appropriate screening.

A review reported that resistance training improved body composition, strength, and quality of life in people with Anorexia Nervosa without impairing weight restoration. High loading improved BMD in case studies.

A review reported that PED-t, which includes resistance training, was as effective as CBT-E at improving eating-disorder psychopathology and depression in people with Bulimia Nervosa.

Supervised resistance training modestly reduces pain and improves function in chronic musculoskeletal pain; effects are small to moderate and vary by condition.

Targeted neck and shoulder strengthening reduces pain and disability in chronic non-specific neck pain.

Progressive high-load resistance training may help maintain or modestly improve bone density in people with low bone mass. It also improves strength and balance, which lowers fall risk.

Progressive tendon loading, such as eccentric or heavy slow resistance, is a standard part of rehabilitation for Achilles and patellar tendinopathy and reduces pain and improves function in trials.

A trial in 209 people found that gestational diabetes incidence did not reach statistical significance (p=0.07); the paper reported only non-significant trends.

Research on this practice has included people with coronary artery disease and heart failure.

Studies did not support a clear improvement in Heart Failure (CHF): VO2peak improved (1.1–1.6 mL/kg/min) but not statistically significantly after 12 months, and high- or moderate-intensity exercise was not superior to guideline-based advice.

Meta-analyses with pooled study designs not recorded reported mild, transient muscle soreness, and transient joint discomfort, muscle soreness, or fatigue at the start of an intervention.

A 2026 systematic review reported musculoskeletal complications during RT; a 2025 meta-analysis reported mild tendinitis. The pooled study designs were not recorded.

A 2025 meta-analysis with pooled study designs not recorded described mechanical discomfort from cuff compression directly stimulating skin and nerve endings, as well as pain exacerbation related to LL-BFRT.

A 2026 meta-analysis of randomized trials reported that joint pain was predominantly transient in studies involving people with Parkinson's Disease and Sarcopenia (Muscle Loss). Another 2026 meta-analysis reported joint overload; its pooled study designs were not recorded.

A 2026 meta-analysis with pooled study designs not recorded reported dizziness. A randomized trial of 89 people also recorded dizziness during class.

A 2024 systematic review with pooled study designs not recorded listed arrhythmia among cardiovascular events, alongside myocardial infarction and hypertension. A 2025 systematic review also reported arrhythmia and systemic saturation <80%.

In a 2026 cross-sectional study of 66 weight-training athletes, supraspinatus tendinopathy was more prevalent in weight-training athletes (93.3% vs. 41.2%; OR 17.7, 95% CI 2.16–145.8; FDR-adjusted p = 0.003).

A 2026 meta-analysis with pooled study designs not recorded reported transient increases in arm volume.

A 2025 pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found an unexpected significant increase in fasting blood glucose within the experimental group (p= 0.03), among 13 people in its analysis of this outcome.

A 2024 systematic review with pooled study designs not recorded reported palpitations.

A 2026 randomized trial of 89 people recorded fainting during class.

Excessive training volume or intensity with inadequate recovery can lead to persistent performance decline, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and mood changes.

Rapid increases in load or high training volume can cause overuse tendinopathy, including in the patellar, shoulder, or elbow tendons; gradual progression lowers the risk.

Very hard or unaccustomed sessions can cause muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis); the myoglobin released can injure the kidneys.

Very intense sets can reduce blood flow to the gut and bring on nausea during or just after a hard session, especially on a full stomach.

Heavy lifting with Valsalva can trigger transient primary exertional headache in susceptible people.

A 2026 review described extreme elevations in systolic and diastolic BP during resistance exercise.

A 2025 review in healthy people described muscle damage with elevated CK levels.

Heavy lifting increases blood pressure and stress on the aortic wall, which can lead to aneurysm rupture or dissection.

With an acute deep vein thrombosis, exertion could dislodge the clot, which poses a risk of pulmonary embolism.

Resting blood pressure >180/110 mmHg is a contraindication to exercise because heavy lifting may increase the risk of stroke or a cardiac event.

An acute pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency, and exertion can worsen hemodynamic instability.

A recent myocardial infarction—within weeks—requires clearance through cardiac rehabilitation; heavy resistance training could trigger arrhythmias or another heart attack.

The acute hemodynamic stress of resistance training can worsen unstable cardiovascular disease, such as unstable angina or decompensated heart failure, and increase the risk of cardiac events.

In the first 1-2 weeks after a stroke, intense exertion may raise intracranial pressure and increase the risk of hemorrhagic transformation or another stroke.

Recent or active rhabdomyolysis, including elevated creatine kinase or myoglobinuria, is a reason to avoid resistance training until recovery is confirmed. High-volume eccentric exercise can cause or worsen muscle breakdown and kidney injury.

A review states that resistance training is generally not recommended for people with proliferative retinopathy because of potential risks.

A review states that resistance training is generally not recommended for people with nephropathy because of potential risks.

Peripheral neuropathy is listed as a contraindication to high-intensity exercise in people with cancer.

A systemic infection with fever increases cardiac demand and the risk of myocarditis; exercise can worsen the illness and lead to complications.

Acute musculoskeletal injuries require rest and rehabilitation; strength training can worsen tissue damage and delay healing.