In the past decade strength training has been investigated extensively as a 
means of reversing the muscle mass loss that occurs with aging (sarcopenia). 
High intensity resistance training (HIRT) has led to increased protein 
synthesis, along with muscle hypertrophy measured at the whole body, whole 
muscle, and muscle fibre levels, in older adults. Typically, the strength 
increments associated with HIRT have been much larger than the hypertrophic 
response. However, most HIRT periods have been quite short. Less is known about 
the long-term hypertrophic response to HIRT in older adults. In order to lessen 
the effects of sarcopenia, HIRT should continue over the long term in older 
adults, to improve functional performance and health.