OBJECTIVE: To investigate the independent and additive effects of resistance training (RT) and soy isoflavone (ISO) on body composition in postmenopausal women (PW). METHOD: This study used a placebo-controlled, double-blind (soy), randomized (ISO versus placebo) x (RT versus no RT) design. A total of 80 PW, aged 45 to 70 years, were randomly (71 completed 9-months intervention): RT+ISO (n = 15), no RT+ISO (n = 20), RT+placebo (n = 18), and no RT+placebo (n = 18). ISO received 100 mg a day of isoflavone; and to RT attended supervised resistance training sessions. At baseline and 9-months, fat and muscle mass were estimated by DXA. ANOVA and test t were used. RESULTS: RT groups showed significantly increased muscle strength (35.2%) and muscle mass (1.4%). Exercising attenuated gains in fat trunk and % body fat (p < 0.05). Significant decreases in muscle mass (-1.8%) and increases in fat mass of the whole-body (1.6%) and trunk (9.7%) was found in no-RT groups (p < 0.05). In ISO groups, there were no differences in body composition and muscle strength. ISO and RT had no additive effects. CONCLUSION: In PW: RT improved muscle mass and strength and attenuated gain of fat mass; ISO did not alter body composition and muscle strength; there were no additive effects of RT and ISO.

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