Abstract Background This meta-analysis aimed to determine whether resistance exercise training (RET) can attenuate the loss of muscle volume and function in anti-gravitational muscles, especially quadriceps and calf muscles, during immobilization/disuse conditions. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials comparing RET vs. no exercise during immobilization/disuse. Searches were conducted in databases including Web of Science, PubMed, EBOSCO, and Cochrane Library, without imposing a time limit until 20 March, 2023. Studies reporting outcomes related to muscle volume, MVC, peak power, concentric peak force, eccentric peak force, isometric MVC torque of knee extension, isometric MVC torque of knee flexion were included. Data were pooled using random-effects models. Results Eleven randomized controlled trials were finally included. RET elicited substantial benefits for preserving quadriceps muscle volume (n = 5, MD = 252.56, 95% CI = 151.92, 353.21, p