Effect of Continuous Passive Motion (Machine-Assisted) Exercise as an Alternative Form of Training on Physiological Profiles of Women Aged 40–65 Years

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of 16 weeks of continuous passive motion (CPM) or machine-assisted exercise as an alternative form of training on body composition, muscle strength, and flexibility in women aged 40-65 years. Thirty-one exercisers and 8 controls completed 16 weeks of training, with the exercisers averaging 3 sessions per week. Six toning tables targeted different muscle groups by moving the body and/or limbs while subjects attempted to resist the movements. Body composition was assessed by individual measures (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, hydrodensitometry, and bioelectric impedance) and a 4-compartment model, flexibility was assessed by a Leighton flexometer and the sit and reach procedure, and strength was measured by standard 1 repetition maximum procedures before training began, after 5 weeks of training, and after 16 weeks of training. When the 2 groups were compared after week 5 and week 16 of training, few significant (p < 0.05) group by trial differences were noted; however, these differences were minimal and represented little or no practical significance (very low effect sizes). In conclusion, CPM training did not appear to provide a sufficient stimulus to significantly alter measures of strength, flexibility, or body composition in women aged 40-65 years.