Resistance Training Enhances Nerve Health and May Slow Aging

Recent research indicates that engaging in resistance training can be a vital strategy to improve nerve function and potentially slow down the aging process. Leading scientists from Syracuse University, including postdoctoral researcher JoCarol Shields and Professor Jason DeFreitas, have demonstrated that simple strength exercises may counteract age-related deterioration of nerve conduction, which often results in decreased muscle strength and increased risk of falls among seniors.

As we age, our nerves gradually decline in their ability to effectively communicate with muscles—a process known as denervation. This decline is particularly pronounced in individuals with sedentary lifestyles, contributing to reduced mobility and independence. The innovative study focused on how resistance training influences nerve conduction velocity (NCV), a key measure of nerve health.

Involving 48 participants aged 18 to 84, the researchers performed nerve conduction tests on the forearm before and after a four-week regimen of handgrip exercises performed three times weekly. The results showed that every senior participant experienced improvements in nerve conduction post-training, indicating an enhancement in nerve performance. The scientists hypothesize that such training may reactivate fast motor neurons, which tend to deteriorate first with age, through a process called reinnervation.

Protecting these neurons is critical because their loss results in slower force production and reduced muscle power, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Reinvigorating these neurons could help older adults maintain strength, speed, and overall motor function.

The study findings suggest that resistance training may have broader implications, not just for aging but potentially for neurodegenerative conditions or nerve-related disorders. The research involved stimulating nerves in the forearm, measuring how quickly signals traveled, and assessing changes in strength, providing strong evidence that nerve health remains adaptable across the lifespan.

Prof. DeFreitas emphasizes that reactivating dormant neurons has significant implications for preserving independence and preventing disability. Plans for future studies aim to explore how exercise interventions can mitigate nerve deterioration in various contexts, aiming to improve quality of life for aging populations.

This research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that regular resistance exercises are crucial—not only for muscle and bone health but also for maintaining nerve function as we age.