The aim of the present study was to compare muscular performance and body composition changes following low-volume resistance-training programs consisting of multi-joint (MJ) exercises (cable chest press and seated row) versus a combination of multi- and single-joint (MJ plus SJ) exercises (cable chest press, seated row, biceps curl, and triceps extension). Thirty untrained healthy aging adults were randomly assigned to 3 groups: MJ (n = 11), MJ plus SJ (n = 11), and control (n = 8). Twelve-repetition maximums (12-RMs) for the cable chest press and seated row, localized muscular endurance for the elbow flexors handgrip strength, and body composition were assessed before and after the 8-week training program. All comparisons were analyzed via a mixed-model analysis with repeated measures (group x time) and the Bonferroni post hoc test (p < 0.05). The MJ and MJ plus SJ groups increased performance in the 12-RM cable chest press (MJ 61.5% +/- 24.6% and MJ plus SJ 71.1% +/- 25.6%), 12-RM seated row (MJ 46.4% +/- 26.3% and MJ plus SJ 51.5% +/- 21.0%), localized muscular endurance (MJ 24.7% +/- 16.7% and MJ plus SJ 37.0% +/- 11.4%), and handgrip strength (MJ 9.3% +/- 10.4% and MJ plus SJ 16.6% +/- 25.3%) after the intervention. Body composition (ie, trunk and upper limb fat and lean mass) did not change for any groups. No significant differences were observed between the MJ versus the MJ plus SJ protocols after the intervention for any variables. In conclusion, for aging adults, either MJ or MJ plus SJ low-volume resistance training resulted in similar increases in 12-RM, localized muscular endurance, and handgrip strength, without changes in body composition after 8 weeks of training.

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