The Effects Of Resistance Training On Muscular Strength And Ankle-brachial-index In Those With Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a primary cause of disability in adults. The negative consequences associated with physical inactivity and OA necessitates the need for investigation into methods of prevention and treatment. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of a resistance training program on muscular strength and ankle-brachial-index (ABI) in an osteoarthritic population. METHODS: Fifteen subjects, 14 females and one male, were randomly assigned to an intervention group (6 females, 1 male, age=67.50 ± 5.13yrs, height=164.69 ± 5.88cm, mass=89.47±19.29kg) or control group (6 females, age=72.10±9.31yrs, height=164.69±5.39cm, mass=81.55±23.42kg). Peak torque/body weight isometric lower extremity muscular strength (hip, knee and ankle) and ABI was measured in all subjects at the start of the study and again 4 weeks later. The intervention group participated in a resistance-training program for the lower extremity three days per week. The control group refrained from any strength training. Both groups participated in twenty minutes of cardiovascular activity during the four week study. RESULTS: No differences were observed between groups (intervention, control) or across time (pre, four weeks) for muscular strength variables, and ABI (p >.05). Trends towards significance was seen with changes in hip abductor strength (p= 0.6) and ABI, knee extensor strength and ABI (p= 0.08). CONCLUSION: The current study suggests that a four-week resistance training program for the lower-body may not be enough to demonstrate significant improvements in muscular strength and ABI. Although there were no significant improvements in lower extremity strength, there did appear to be relationship with strength increases and ABI. Therefore further research should continue to examine strength and potential improvement in vascular function in those with OA.