PURPOSE: The purpose was to review studies that have examined the effect of aerobic (AEX) or resistance exercise (REX) on body composition in older individuals (> 55 yr). Our goal was to examine the effect of these two exercise paradigms on fat mass and fat-free mass and to consider those factors that may explain variability in findings among studies. METHODS: We conducted a literature search (Medline, 1984-1999) for intervention studies (at least 2 months in duration) that have examined the independent effect of either REX or AEX on body composition in older individuals. RESULTS: AEX decreased fat mass (range -0.4 to -3.2 kg) but had little effect on fat-free mass. The change in fat mass with AEX was related to the duration of the exercise program (r = 0.51; p < 0.02) but not to body composition methodology. In contrast, REX reduced fat mass (range -0.9 to -2.7 kg) and increased fat-free mass (range 1.1 to 2.1 kg). Changes in body composition with REX were not related to body composition methodology or the duration of the exercise program. CONCLUSION: Both AEX and REX appear to be beneficial in reducing body fat. REX appears to have the additional benefit of increasing fat-free mass.

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