OBJECTIVE: To analyse the effect of resistance training (RT) frequency on muscle mass, appendicular lean soft tissue, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), testosterone, and their changes with detraining in older women. METHODS: Forty-five physically independent older women (>= 60 years) were randomly assigned to perform RT either two (G2X, n = 21) or three times/week (G3X, n = 24), during 12 weeks (8 exercises, 1 set of 10 to 15 repetition maximum). Muscle mass and appendicular lean soft tissue, IGF-1, testosterone, and dietary intake were measured at pre-training, post-training, and after detraining (12 weeks). RESULTS: Muscle mass and appendicular lean soft tissue significantly increased post-training (G2X +5.5% and G3X +5.8%, p < 0.0001) with no differences between groups, and gains were retained after detraining (G2X 100% and G3X 99%, p < 0.0001). IGF-1 and dietary intake did not change for the groups during the study. Testosterone did not change post-training but significantly decreased after detraining (G2X -21% and G3X -50%, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: We conclude that lower RT frequency is as effective as higher frequency to improve muscle mass and appendicular lean soft tissue, and to maintain testosterone and IGF-1. Additionally, detraining may reduce testosterone regardless of RT frequency. These results are specifically for community-dwelling older women and may not be generalized to other populations.

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