Residual Physiological And Functional Benefits Following A Year Of Resistance Training In Older Adults

Abstract

Long term participation in home-based exercise training programs using household items, resistance tubing, exercise balls, and hand exercisers have been shown to provide significant health benefits for older adults. However, little is known about the long term impact of these exercise interventions on older individuals. PURPOSE The goal of this study was to assess the residual effects 12 months following a year long moderate intensity resistance training program in older adults. METHODS Thirty two retired individuals over 55 years of age were recruited to participate in a year long monitored home-based moderate intensity resistance training program. Pre- and post-testing included anthropometric, physical, physiological and functional testing. At the completion of the study, each participant was provided information and retained the Thera-Band ® equipment to continue to perform the exercises at home. After completion of the 12 month training program, no monitoring was provided. One year after the post-testing, participants were invited to return to the lab for follow up testing and 26 agreed. At the initial assessment, these 11 males and 15 females were, on average 65.6±7.53 years, weighed 70.2±10.3 kg, and measured 167.3±8.9 cm (means ± SD). The effects of the year long training program and the 12 month follow up period were assessed using a repeated measures ANOVA. Significance was accepted at p<0.05. RESULTS Grip strength and isokinetic leg flexion and extension torques were significantly increased by training and maintained at follow up. Systolic blood pressure decreased significantly after training and was also reduced at follow up. Fast self-paced walking speed and functional reach were unchanged by training but were improved at follow up. Body mass, sum of skinfolds, resting heart rate, diastolic blood pressure, sit and reach, timed up and go and 6 minute walk test results were unchanged following training and at follow up testing. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that there are significant residual benefits one year after the completion of a long term, monitored exercise training program. Implementation of long duration behavior modification strategies to increase strength and physical activity in older individuals, like this monitored home-based resistance exercise training program, are likely to have significant residual benefits on the health and quality of life of the participants. Supported by EKM Health Foundation, Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation and Thera-Band®.