The Impact of a Resistance Training Intervention on Blood Pressure Control in Older Adults With Sarcopenia

Inclusion Criteria

• Adults (men and women) aged 60 years and older (any racial/ethnic background)
• Demonstrates adequate cognitive function by the MoCA (education adjusted score of >22 at screening)
• Sedentary or low active adults (not active in strength training)
• Resides in the Chicagoland Area
• Able to walk/perform exercise without complete dependence on assisted device
• Able and willing to enroll and provide written informed consent, i.e., to meet the time and data collection requirements of the study, be randomized to 1 of 2 treatment arms, follow through assignment during 3 months active period, participate in 1 follow-up visit at 12 months

Exclusion Criteria

• Subjects with self-report of inability to walk at least ¼ mile or walk 400 meters in <15 minutes without sitting
• Subjects who self-reported having a history of a cardiovascular disease event or physician diagnosed cardiovascular disease (heart attack, heart failure, congenital heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, coronary revascularization, or angina that required overnight hospitalization), cerebrovascular disease (stroke, transient ischemic attack)
• Diagnosis of cancer (other than non-melanoma skin cancer) that is/was active or treated with radiation or chemotherapy within the past 5 years;
• Subjects with orthopedic pathology or deformity that prevents exercising safely
• Diagnosis or history of cognitive impairment (Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease) or bipolar or psychotic disorder or hospitalization for psychological or emotional problems within the last 2 years
• Diagnosis of autoimmune diseases, such as (but not limited to) lupus, multiple sclerosis, advanced/severe rheumatoid arthritis that would preclude exercising safely
• Diagnosis of advanced or severe osteoporosis or orthopedic deformities that may prevent strength training exercise safely
• Participants from the same household as those already enrolled in the study
• Current abuser of alcohol or usage of illicit drugs or history of alcohol or drug abuse
• Planning to move out of the area or take an extended vacation during the study period
• Current or planned participation in in another structured program that overtly focuses on exercise
• Currently enrolled or planning to enroll into another research study that would limit full participation in the study
• Investigator discretion for clinical safety or protocol adherence reasons