PHYSIOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF HYDRAULIC RESISTANCE MACHINES VERSUS ELASTIC BAND EXERCISES IN OLDER JAPANESE ADULTS

Abstract

Older adults in Japan commonly use resistance exercise machines to perform strength training, they are not yet familiar with the use of elastic band (EB) to perform resistance exercises. PURPOSE: To compare the physiological response of Japanese older adults using EB versus those using hydraulic resistance machines. METHODS: Twenty-eight healthy female participants were randomly divided into a hydraulic machine based resistance exercise group (HE, 68 ± 4 yr, n = 11) and an EB based resistance exercise group (BE, 69 ± 5 yr, n = 17). The HE participated in a supervised exercise program for 12 weeks, 3 days/week, 60 min/day. The BE exercised at home for 12 weeks and maintained a log of each exercise session. Researchers met with participants once a week at a local community center. Measurements of body mass, static balance (single leg balance with eyes closed [BL]), dynamic balance (functional reach [FR]), cardio-respiratory fitness (12-min walk test [TMW]), muscular strength (arm curl [AC]), and muscle power (leg extension power [LEP], chest pull [CPU], chest press [CPR], knee extension [KEX] and knee flexion [KFL]) was taken before and after the 12-week intervention programs. RESULTS: Similar improvement was noted for AC (BE 14%, HE 11%), LEP (BE 20%, HE 34%), TMW (BE 9%, HE 3%), CPR (BE 42%, HE 6%), KEX (BE 16%, HE 13%), KFL (BE 43%, HE 38%) in both groups (repeated measures ANOVA) after 12 weeks of exercises. HE exhibited greater improvement in BL, FR and KEX compared to that of BE. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that elastic bands provide many of the same benefits as conventional hydraulic machines. Moreover, the bands are safe, inexpensive, portable, and multifunctional. Therefore, the use of elastic bands is recommended as a viable alternative for older adults performing resistance exercises within home settings in Japan. Supported by Hygenic Corporation.