Muscle-strengthening activities are associated with lower risks of non-communicable diseases and all-cause mortality, according to a review published online February 28 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine .
Haruki Momma, Ph.D., of Tohoku University School of Medicine in Sendai, Japan, and colleagues conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies that examined the association between muscle-strengthening activities and health outcomes in adults without serious health conditions. Data from 16 studies were included.
The researchers found that muscle-strengthening activities were associated with a 10 to 17 percent reduced risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD), total cancer, diabetes, and lung cancer. Muscle-strengthening activities were not associated with the risk of certain site-specific cancers (colon, kidney, bladder, and pancreas).
For all-cause mortality , CVD, and total cancer, J-shaped associations were observed, with the maximum risk reduction (about 10 to 20 percent) in about 30 to 60 minutes/week of muscle-strengthening activities ; for diabetes, an L-shaped association showed a large risk reduction up to 60 minutes/week of muscle-strengthening activities.
A lower risk of total cancer, CVD, and all-cause mortality was observed for combined aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities versus none.
"The combination of aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities may provide greater benefit in reducing total cancer, CVD, and all-cause mortality," the authors write. "Given that the available data is limited, more studies, such as studies focusing on a more diverse population, are needed to increase the certainty of the evidence."
Aim
To quantify the associations between muscle strengthening activities and the risk of non-communicable diseases and mortality in adults independent of aerobic activities.
Design
Systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.
MEDLINE and Embase data sources were searched from inception to June 2021 and reference lists of all related articles were reviewed.
Eligibility criteria for study selection
Prospective cohort studies examining the association between muscle strengthening activities and health outcomes in adults ≥18 years without serious health conditions.
Results
Sixteen studies met the eligibility criteria. Muscle-strengthening activities were associated with a 10-17% lower risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD), total cancer, diabetes, and lung cancer. No association was found between muscle strengthening activities and the risk of some site-specific cancers (colon, kidney, bladder, and pancreatic cancers).
J-shaped associations were found with the greatest risk reduction (approximately 10-20%) with approximately 30-60 min/week of muscle strengthening activities for all-cause mortality, CVD, and total cancer, while an association in L-shape showing a large risk reduction of up to 60 min/week of muscle-strengthening activities for diabetes.
Combined muscle strengthening and aerobic activities (versus none) were associated with a lower risk of all causes,
Conclusion Muscle-strengthening activities were inversely associated with the risk of mortality from all causes and major noncommunicable diseases, including CVD, total cancer, diabetes, and lung cancer; However, the influence of a higher volume of muscle-strengthening activities on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, and total cancer is unclear when considering the observed J-shaped associations. |
Final message
- This systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies found that muscle-strengthening activities were inversely associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer, diabetes, lung cancer, and all-cause mortality, independently of aerobic activities, among adults of ≥18 years without serious illness conditions.
- Additionally, J-shaped associations were found between muscle strengthening activities and all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, and total cancer, with the maximum risk reduction (approximately 10-20%) occurring at approximately 30-60 min. /week of muscle strengthening activities.
- We also observed an L-shaped association between muscle strengthening activities and diabetes, showing a large risk reduction before 60 min/week.
- Finally, combined muscle strengthening and aerobic activities (vs. none) were associated with a lower risk of total cancer, CVD, and all-cause mortality.
