Resistance Training Prescription for Muscle Function, Hypertrophy in Health
A comprehensive review of 137 systematic studies confirms that resistance training significantly improves muscle strength, hypertrophy, and physical function in healthy adults. The findings update previous guidelines, emphasizing specific variables like load and volume for optimal results.
Why it matters
Provides evidence-based guidance for public health and fitness, helping to standardize exercise prescriptions for long-term health.
Address for correspondence: Stuart M. Phillips, PhD, Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; E-mail: phillis@mcmaster.ca .
Received 2025 Feb; Accepted 2025 Sep; Issue date 2026 Apr.
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives License 4.0 (CCBY-NC-ND) , where it is permissible to download and share the work provided it is properly cited. The work cannot be changed in any way or used commercially without permission from the journal.
The aim of this overview of reviews was to determine the impact of resistance training (RT) prescription on muscle function and hypertrophy, utilizing evidence synthesis methods. It updates the American College of Sports Medicine 2009 Position Stand, “Progression models in resistance training for healthy adults.”
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