New Approaches in Educational Management and Health Sciences

New Approaches in Educational Management and Health Sciences

Effects of Two Different Resistance Training Programming Models on a Neuroprotective Factor and Muscle Strength in Older Women

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Nafiseh Pourpasha 1
Zahra Sarlak 2
Forouzan Fattahi Masrour 1
1 Department of Exercise Physiology, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Khod.C., Islamic Azad University, Khodabandeh, Iran
10.22034/edus.2026.588805.1118
Abstract
Introduction and Objective: Aging is associated with a decline in muscle strength and alterations in factors related to neural function. Resistance training can influence strength and neurotrophic factors by inducing muscular and neural adaptations; however, the type of training programming may affect the magnitude of these adaptations. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the effects of linear and nonlinear resistance training programming on serum BDNF concentration and lower-body muscle strength in older women.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted using a pretest–posttest design with a control group. Thirty-six older women aged 65–70 years were randomly assigned to three groups: linear resistance training, nonlinear resistance training, and control (n = 12 per group). The two training groups performed circuit-based resistance training for 8 weeks, three sessions per week, with each session lasting 80 minutes. Serum BDNF concentration was measured using the ELISA method, and lower-body muscle strength was assessed using the leg press test before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) followed by the Bonferroni post hoc test.
Results: The results showed significant differences among the three groups in serum BDNF concentration and lower-body muscle strength following the intervention (P ≤ 0.001). Serum BDNF concentration in the nonlinear resistance training group was 3.10 and 6.90 ng/mL higher than that in the linear resistance training and control groups, respectively. Moreover, lower-body muscle strength in the nonlinear group was 2.63 and 13.38 kg greater than that in the linear and control groups, respectively, while the linear group demonstrated 10.75 kg greater lower-body muscle strength than the control group (P ≤ 0.001).
Conclusion: Both linear and nonlinear resistance training programs improved BDNF concentration and lower-body muscle strength in older women. However, nonlinear resistance training was more effective in enhancing BDNF and lower-body muscle strength and may therefore be considered a more effective approach for improving neuromuscular function in older women.
Keywords
Linear resistance training
nonlinear resistance training
BDNF
muscle strength
older women

Ethics Approval ID: IR.IAU.SARI.REC.1404.067 

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New Approaches in Educational Management and Health Sciences
Volume 3, Issue 2
July 2026
Summer 2026
Pages 115-132

  • Receive Date 29 April 2026
  • Revise Date 08 July 2026
  • Accept Date 12 August 2026