The purpose of this study is to elucidate the effects of skeletal muscle volume improvement through a body mass-based resistance training intervention with or without the intake of Glavonoid. Thirty elderly men were randomly assigned to a Glavonoid(n=15)and to a Placebo (n=15)groups. Both groups underwent a series of resistance training programs, in which 3 exercises were conducted for the trunk and lower limb muscles(20 repetitions/exercise)for 12 weeks. During the training period, the subjects were performed in the exercises, once a week in the gym supervised by fitness instructors and 6 days a week at their own homes. Before and after the training intervention, body composition, muscle thickness and the score of performance test were determined. After the training for 12 weeks, skinfold thickness at the anterior thigh significantly decreased, and muscle thicknesses at the abdomen and anterior thigh increased in the Glavonoid group. In both groups, the sit-up test score significantly improved after the intervention. The relative change in the score of sit-to-stand test was negatively correlated with the pre-intervention score, indicating that the training effect depends on the baseline fitness level. It was concluded that Glavonoid has favorable roles for muscle size and against adiposity in the elderly men when it is combined with a body-mass based resistance training, and that the training intensity should be adjusted for each individual.
