Lifting weights seems to turn down genes involved in how cells edit their genetic instructions, possibly helping muscles function more efficiently as they age.
Scientific Claim
Resistance training reduces expression of spliceosome-related genes in older adults, which may reflect a normalization of RNA processing machinery toward a more youthful or active state.
Original Statement
“Response networks (n = 6) indicated RT-induced increase in aerobic metabolism and reduced expression of genes associated with spliceosome biology and type-I myofibers... LV 25, associated with spliceosome activity, was significantly downregulated following RT.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The claim describes a statistically significant change in gene expression post-training, framed as an association consistent with the paired-sample design and without implying causation.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Muscle Transcriptional Networks Linked to Resistance Exercise Training Hypertrophic Response Heterogeneity.
This study found that lifting weights made older adults' muscles turn down certain genes involved in RNA processing—genes that tend to be overactive with age—suggesting their cells might be acting more like younger cells after training.