Effects of free-weight resistance training based on hexagonal barbell deadlift in older women: A 24-week randomized controlled trial.

Juezhen Zhang; Yung Cheng Huang; Yi-Hung Liao; Chung-Yu Chen; Toby Mundel; Fu-Kong Lieu; Shiow-Chwen Tsai

doi:10.1016/j.exger.2026.113246

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Effects of free-weight resistance training based on hexagonal barbell deadlift in older women: A 24-week randomized controlled trial.

Juezhen Zhang·Yung Cheng Huang·Yi-Hung Liao·Chung-Yu Chen·Toby Mundel·Fu-Kong Lieu·Shiow-Chwen Tsai

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Abstract

PURPOSE: This randomized controlled trial examined effects of a 24-week hexagonal barbell deadlift (HBDL)-based free-weight resistance training program on body composition, trunk muscle function, and functional performance in older women. METHODS: Thirty-two women (67.6 ± 6.3 years) were randomly assigned to an HBDL group (DG, n = 16) or control group (CG, n = 16). DG trained twice weekly for 24 weeks under supervision. Primary outcomes were body composition and isokinetic trunk peak torque and average power at 60°/s and 120°/s. Secondary outcomes were isokinetic knee function, mobility, and maximal isotonic strength. Between-group differences after the intervention were examined by analysis of covariance (α = 0.05). RESULTS: After intervention, DG showed greater trunk lean mass (+0.4 kg vs. -0.2 kg, p = 0.006) than CG, and reductions in body fat percentage (-1.4% vs. +0.3%, p = 0.003), total fat mass (-1.1 kg vs. +0.3 kg, p = 0.013), and regional fat mass (trunk, gluteal, thigh; all p < 0.05). Trunk extensor peak torque at 60°/s (+26.0% vs. -6.3%, p < 0.001) and average power at 60°/s (+38.1% vs. -7.6%, p < 0.001) and 120°/s (+33.2% vs. +0.1%, p = 0.002) improved significantly. DG also showed better eyes-closed static balance and 6-min walk performance (both p < 0.05). Whole-body lean mass and lower-limb isokinetic strength did not differ between groups. Attendance was 89.6% with no adverse events. CONCLUSION: HBDL-based free-weight resistance training is a safe, feasible, and effective strategy to improve body composition, trunk extensor function, and mobility in older women.

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Humans Female Resistance Training Muscle Strength Body Composition Aged Muscle, Skeletal Middle Aged Weight Lifting Torque 6-min walk performance Aging Static balance Trunk muscle Trunk strength Journal Article Randomized Controlled Trial

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Juezhen Zhang, Yung Cheng Huang, Yi-Hung Liao, Chung-Yu Chen, Toby Mundel, Fu-Kong Lieu, Shiow-Chwen Tsai. 2026-07-22. Effects of free-weight resistance training based on hexagonal barbell deadlift in older women: A 24-week randomized controlled trial.. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2026.113246

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Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial resource Aged subject Aging subject Body Composition subject Female subject Humans subject Journal Article subject Middle Aged subject Muscle Strength subject Muscle, Skeletal subject Randomized controlled trials study

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