Resistance Exercise for Sarcopenia Prevention

(STRENGTH Trial)

This trial aims to explore how resistance exercise can help prevent sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass and strength) in transgender women and gender-diverse individuals starting estrogen-dominant hormone therapy. It will compare two groups: one participating in a 12-week at-home resistance exercise program and another receiving only nutritional and exercise advice. The trial will measure changes in muscle mass, strength, and function to determine if exercise can reduce the risk of sarcopenia. Individuals about to start estrogen-based hormone therapy and who identify as transgender female, non-binary, or gender-diverse may be suitable if they do not have conditions that limit their ability to exercise. This unphased trial offers a unique opportunity to contribute to important research that could benefit the transgender and gender-diverse community.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it does require that you are just starting estrogen-dominant hormone therapy and have not used similar therapies recently.

Research shows that resistance exercise is generally safe and well-tolerated by most people. Studies on older adults have found that this type of exercise can greatly improve muscle strength and physical abilities. For instance, one study discovered that regular resistance training boosted grip strength and other skills that help prevent falls. Another study found that exercising twice a week was more effective for building muscle strength than doing it once a week.

Most treatments for sarcopenia, like protein supplementation and pharmacological interventions, focus on dietary changes or medications. However, resistance exercise is unique because it directly targets muscle strength and mass through physical activity. Researchers are excited about this approach because it empowers individuals to actively engage in their own health management from home, potentially offering a more accessible and sustainable way to prevent muscle loss. This method could complement existing treatments, providing a holistic strategy to combat sarcopenia.

Studies have shown that resistance exercise effectively combats sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass and strength with age. Research indicates that resistance training significantly increases muscle strength and size, helping to prevent this condition. It is considered the best treatment for managing sarcopenia because it not only slows progression but also reduces its impact. Lifting heavy weights is unnecessary; regular resistance exercise can still greatly benefit muscle health. Additionally, individuals who engage in resistance training often experience improvements in grip strength, an important indicator of overall muscle health. These findings support resistance exercise as an excellent method to prevent muscle loss and maintain strength. Participants in this trial will be randomized to either a 12-week at-home resistance exercise program or receive educational counseling on nutrition and exercise.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰