Effects of Resistance-Based Multicomponent Training Incorporating Respiratory Exercise on Diaphragm Thickness, Hepatic Attenuation, and Quality of Life in Healthy Older Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background: Aging is accompanied by progressive alterations in musculoskeletal and respiratory systems that may contribute to declines in physical capacity and overall health. Although resistance exercise is widely recognized as an effective non-pharmacological strategy for healthy aging, its potential to induce measurable adaptations in respiratory muscle morphology remains insufficiently understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a short-term resistance-based multicomponent training program incorporating respiratory exercises on diaphragm thickness, hepatic attenuation, functional capacity, and health-related quality of life in healthy older men. Methods: Thirty community-dwelling healthy men aged 60–75 years were randomly allocated to a resistance-based exercise group (RT, n = 15) or a control group (CG, n = 15). The RT group participated in a 4-week resistance-based multicomponent training program incorporating structured respiratory exercises. CG maintained their usual lifestyle. Diaphragm thickness was assessed as the predefined primary outcome using non-contrast computed tomography. Functional walking capacity was assessed using the six-minute walk test (6MWT), while health-related quality of life was evaluated using the Physical Health (PH) and Mental Health (MH) components of the SF-12 questionnaire. Hepatic attenuation was assessed as an exploratory imaging outcome. Group × time interactions were examined using two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: The RT group demonstrated a significant increase in diaphragm thickness compared with the CG (group × time interaction: F = 21.058, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.429). Functional walking capacity also improved substantially in the RT group, with 6MWD increasing from 568.80 ± 42.87 m to 615.53 ± 52.06 m (+46.73 m; +8.22%), whereas the CG showed a slight decline; the group × time interaction was significant (F = 66.604, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.704). No significant group × time interactions were observed for SF-12 Physical Health or Mental Health, whereas hepatic attenuation showed an exploratory group × time effect. Conclusions: Four weeks of resistance-based exercise was associated with a significant differential increase in diaphragm thickness and a substantial improvement in functional walking capacity in healthy older men. These findings suggest that short-term exercise may induce measurable morphological and functional adaptations during aging, although the functional significance of the observed diaphragm change remains uncertain. No intervention-specific effects were detected for health-related quality of life, while the hepatic attenuation finding should be considered exploratory. Longer and adequately powered trials incorporating validated respiratory, functional, and metabolic outcomes are warranted.
Source: Healthcare
Institutions: Gümüşhane University, Istanbul Topkapi University
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology (medical)
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
OpenAlex ID: W7225631908