EFFECTS OF RESISTANCE TRAINING ON PROPRIOCEPTION AND FUNCTION IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

1978 Benefits of resistance training may not be limited to preservation of muscular strength in older adults. Strength improvements are the result of both muscular and neural adaptations which include inhibition of golgi tendon organs, increased recruitment of motor units, etc. These neural adaptations may affect proprioception. Therefore, it was hypothesized that placing older adults on a resistance training program should improve their proprioception. Community dwelling older adults (n=34) volunteered to participate in a three month training program. Subjects were assigned to either a resistance training group (RT) or a range of motion (ROM) group. The ROM group performed movements similar to the exercises performed by the RT group without the loading effects. Data for two tests of knee proprioception (static and dynamic) and 1RM strength (quadriceps and hamstrings) were collected at baseline and 12 weeks later. Test-retest reliability of the proprioception tests ranged from .86 to .99, with no learning effects occurring over a three week period. Results are shown below: (mean ± SEM) (Table)TableThe RT group showed significant improvement in quadricep and hamstring strength compared to the ROM group. Proprioception improved significantly within both groups from baseline but were not significantly different between groups. In conclusion, proprioception can be improved with resistance training in older adults, however muscle loading does not appear to be the predisposing factor.