Lemmer, J. T., Ivey, F. M., Ruan, A. S., Martel, G. F., Hurlbut, D. E., Metter, J. E., Fozard, J. L., Fleg, J. L., & Hurley, B. F. (2001). Effect of strength training on resting metabolic rate and physical activity: Age and gender comparisons. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33, 532-541.

The purpose of this study was to compare age and gender effects of strength training on resting metabolic rate (RMR), energy expenditure of physical activity, and body composition. Before and after 24 weeks of strength training, measures were taken in young men (N = 10; 20-30 yr), young women (N = 9); older men (N = 11; 65-75 yr) and older women (N = 10).

When Ss were pooled, RMR increased by 7%. There was a significant gender x time interaction, men increasing RMR by 9% and women showing no significant increase. In other analyses of the data, there still was an effect for men but not for women. Energy expenditure of physical activity did not change.

Changes in absolute and relative RMR in response to strength training are influenced by gender, but not age. Males respond to strength training significantly, whereas females do not.

Implication. Metabolic changes occur in males as a response to strength training but not in females.

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