Deadlift Study Lifts Postmenopausal Women’s Strength 29% After 24 Weeks
Updated
Updated · New Scientist · Aug 19
Deadlift Study Lifts Postmenopausal Women’s Strength 29% After 24 Weeks
2 articles · Updated · New Scientist · Aug 19
Summary
Thirty-two postmenopausal women aged 52 to 84 who trained with hexagonal-bar deadlifts twice weekly for 24 weeks gained strength, lean mass and mobility, while a control group saw no improvement.
Average five-rep deadlift capacity rose to 58 kilograms from 45, alongside fat loss around the thighs and buttocks and better balance and six-minute walking performance.
Zero adverse events and an 89.6% attendance rate led researchers to call the program a safe, feasible way to counter age-related functional decline in older women.
The study adds to evidence that older women can benefit from heavier free weights, which may train stabilizer muscles better than machine-based programs and support everyday independence.