OBJECTIVE: To understand the results of the latest research in sarcopenia in the elderly and the prescription of strengthening exercises as the principal guideline in the treatment and prevention of this syndrome. METHODOLOGY: A systematic review of the use of resistance exercises in the treatment and prevention of sarcopenia. The sources Medline, ScienceDirect, SciELO, Trip Database and Dialnet were searched and narrowed for data to between 2011 and 2016. Various clinical studies were included and their methodology was tested by using the PEDro scale, including those that had an overall score of 6 or more. RESULT(S): In all 22 revised projects the strengthening exercises were conducted progressively in 20 to 60 minutes sessions, 2 to 5 times a week, in 2 to 4 series of 8 to 15 repetitions. These resistance exercises, alone or in combination with other types of exercises or nutritional guidelines, resulted in an increase of muscle mass and strength. CONCLUSION(S): The implementation of these progressive resistance training seems to be the most apt guideline for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia, alone or in combination with other exercises, resulting in improvements in muscle mass, muscle strength and mobility in the elderly. The incorporation high biological value proteins in the diet appears to have a synergic effect on muscle tissue.

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