Does a special pill help older people get stronger when exercising?
Exercise and Weekly Sirolimus (Rapamycin) in Older Adults: RAPA‐EX‐01 Randomised, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Sirolimus may reduce strength gains from exercise in older adults
Preclinical studies in mice suggested that 'cycling' mTOR inhibition with exercise could enhance fitness and longevity. This study shows the opposite in humans—rapamycin may blunt exercise benefits.
Practical Takeaways
Stick to proven methods like resistance and endurance exercise to maintain strength as you age.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Sirolimus may reduce strength gains from exercise in older adults
Preclinical studies in mice suggested that 'cycling' mTOR inhibition with exercise could enhance fitness and longevity. This study shows the opposite in humans—rapamycin may blunt exercise benefits.
Practical Takeaways
Stick to proven methods like resistance and endurance exercise to maintain strength as you age.
Publication
Journal
Journal of Cachexia
Year
2026
Authors
B. Stanfield, Brian Leroux, M. Kaeberlein, Julie Jones, Ruth Lucas
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Doing the 30-second chair stand test—standing up and sitting down as many times as you can in half a minute—can accurately show how strong your legs are and how well they work as you get older.
Older adults taking a weekly 6 mg dose of sirolimus while exercising for 13 weeks may have more side effects overall than those taking a fake pill, including a serious lung infection like pneumonia, even though about the same number of people had side effects in both groups.
Doing strength and cardio exercises at home for 13 weeks helps older adults (65–85) get stronger in their legs and move better, whether or not they're taking a drug called sirolimus.
Taking a weekly 6 mg dose of the drug sirolimus doesn't help older adults get extra benefits from exercise — and might even cancel out some of the gains they'd normally see.
Older adults who take a weekly 6 mg dose of sirolimus while exercising might see slightly less improvement in hand strength and walking ability compared to those taking a fake pill — suggesting the drug could be limiting some of the usual benefits of exercise.