Triceps Extension Research Articles

Progressive Resistance Training Improves Perceived Performance of Household Physical Activities Among Women Attending Cardiac Rehabilitation

Background Women often feel guilt after a cardiac event if they are unable to resume their household physical activities. Upper body muscle strength, necessary for these activities decreases not only as a natural aging process but also with physical inactivity post cardiac event. Purpose This ongoing study examines the impact of progressive upper body resistance training with free weights on muscle strength and perceived ability to perform household physical activities among women who participate in Phase II (Outpatient) Cardiac Rehabilitation. Methods This 10-week randomized parallel-group experiment consists of usual care (UC) aerobic exercise or aerobic exercise/resistance training exercise (RTE) groups. Muscle strength for 5 upper body resistance exercises (chest press, shoulder press, biceps curl, lateral row and triceps extension) is measured using the 1-Repetition Maximum Assessment (1-RM). The RTE progressively increased weight lifted based on 40%, 50% and 60% of obtained 1-RM assessment. Perceived performance of household physical activities was measured with the Household Activities Scale (HAS). The percent change in muscle strength between groups was calculated for each exercise. The HAS score is the percent of activities performed without difficulty out of the total number of household physical activities performed. The Wilcoxan test was used to determine between group differences for the HAS and Spearman's rho was used to determine correlation between muscle strength and HAS. Results The RTE group (n = 5) increased in muscle strength in all five exercises compared to the UC group (n = 5) including chest press (34% vs. 5%), shoulder press (40% vs. 39%), biceps curl (27% vs. 14%), lateral row (44% vs. 33%) and triceps extension (33% vs. 14%), respectively. Muscle strength difference in the lateral row was significantly correlated with the HAS (r = .759, p = .02). HAS percentage scores increased in the RTE group compared to the UC group (13% vs. −2%, respectively) although was not statistically significant (Z = 14.5, p = .176). Conclusions Progressive upper body resistance training with free weights shows promise in increasing muscle strength and improving women's ability to perform household physical activities post cardiac event. For this sample, difference in HAS scores was not significant, but the percent improvement in ability to perform household activities is clinically relevant. Beginning resistance training early after cardiac event in a monitored environment like CR can maximize the strengthening benefit for women.

Skeletal Response To 12-weeks Of Upper-arm Resistance Training

There is an association between physical activity and increased bone mass. This is demonstrated by the observation that dominant limbs have greater bone mass than non-dominant limbs, and that athletes loading their dominant limbs preferentially while exercising (e.g., tennis players) develop greater bilateral disparity. PURPOSE To determine if elbow flexion resistance training causes cortical bone growth in the humerus, and to determine if a growth difference exists between the proximal and distal humeral regions. METHODS 20 subjects (10F, 10M) (24.5±1.5 y, 72.3±3.7 kg, 166.4±3.8 cm, mean ± SEM) participated in a 12wk non-dominant biceps and triceps strength training program employing progressive periodized training consisting of 4wks of 12 reps (65–75% 1RM), 5wks of 8 reps (75–82% 1RM) and 3wks of 6 reps (83–90% 1RM). Exercises included a preacher bench curl, overhead triceps extension, concentration curl, triceps extension, and standing curl. Subjects were studied pre- and post-training using MRI. A series of axial slices (15 slices, 16mm slice thickness, 0mm interscan spacing, 256 × 192 matrix, 22 × 22cm FOV) were collected to study a 24cm length of the upper arm. Volumes were calculated in both non-dominant (trained) and dominant (untrained) arms by determining the number of pixels in an assigned region of interest (ROI) within each successive slice, calculating the area (cm2) of each ROI, multiplying by the slice thickness (1.6cm), and summing the successive slice volumes. Pre-training volumes subtracted from post-training volumes yielded training-induced change in volume. RESULTS Training increased cortical bone volume in the distal shaft of the non-dominant humerus (9.6cm) by 7.0±2.1%, with no gain in the same region of dominant humerus (N = 20). Cortical bone volume in the proximal shaft of the non-dominant humerus increased by 1.1±0.7% (p = 0.0375, paired t-test vs distal humerus), with no gain in the same region of dominant humerus (10 subjects completed to date). CONCLUSIONS Twelve weeks strength training of the non-dominant upper arm is sufficient to cause significant adaptation of the distal humeral cortex; however, less adaptive growth occurs at the proximal end of the humerus. Supported by: NIH-IDS RO1 NS40606-02

Free Communication/Poster — Circulation

Chronic exposure to aerobic exercise increases arterial size. The ability of the same artery to adapt (i.e. an increase in size) to resistance training has not been investigated. PURPOSE To determine if resistance training of the non-dominant arm elicits an increase in diameter of the brachial artery. METHODS Twelve subjects (mean ± SEM, 8 female and 4 male, 22±4.9 y, 70.6±14.3 kg, 168.2±7.2 cm) participated in strength training of the biceps and triceps for 12 weeks in their non-dominant arm. The training protocol consisted of a periodized progression consisting of 4 weeks of 12 reps (65–75% 1RM), 5 weeks of 8 reps (75–82% 1RM) and 3 weeks of 6 reps (83–90% 1RM). The exercises utilized were a preacher bench curl, overhead triceps extension, concentration curl, triceps extension, and standing curl. Dynamic (one repetition max, 1RM) and static (isometric contraction, ISO) strength were assessed pre- and posttraining. Pre - and post-training brachial artery diameter was measured 1 cm proximal to the brachioradial bifurcation using magnetic resonance angiography. RESULTS Brachial artery diameter increased significantly between pre and post measurements in the trained arm (0.45±0.45 cm vs. 0.47±0.05 cm, p < 0.05) compared to the untrained arm (0.46±0.57 cm vs. 0.45±0.06 cm). Non-dominant 1RM strength increased significantly (20.21±7.9 lbs vs. 29.67±8.0 lbs., p < 0.05) as well as non-dominant ISO strength (64.49±23.7 lbs vs. 69.77±24.0 lbs., p < 0.05). Dominant arm strength did not demonstrate any significant increase following training. Conclusions: These findings indicate that upper arm vascular adaptations, manifesting as increased brachial artery diameter, can result from resistance training. Further investigation would be warranted to determine underlying mechanisms of this adaptation (shear stress, reactive hyperemia, and nitric oxide). Supported by: NIH-IDS RO1 NS40606-02

Effects Of Destabilization On The Electromyographic Responses During The Overhead Tricep Press

Motor recruitment levels are altered during dynamic destabilization. The effects of destabilization upon specific muscle groups during isotonic weight training have not been well established. PURPOSE The purpose of this investigation was to identify the adaptive response of the triceps brachii (TRI) and gastrocnemius (GAS) during destabilization. METHOD The researchers determined the electromyographic (EMG) response of the GAS and TRI during timed triceps extension presses (4 reps at 80% of 1-RM, 10s) on a stable 2-leg base (2L) and on an unstable one-leg base (1L). The subjects for this investigation were 12 male and 3 female university students (Mean age: 21.5 ± 2.5, range: 19–30 yrs). Skeletal muscle EMG data were recorded at 1000Hz (Telemyo NORAXON, U.S.A., Inc., Scottsdale, AZ) by amplifying electrical signals detected by bipolar electrodes positioned over the belly of the triceps brachii and the belly of the gastrocnemius on the dominant extremities of the subjects. A paired T-test identified changes between 2L and 1L exercises. RESULTS The researchers identified increased GAS activation and decreased TRI activation to perform the overhead triceps press in an unstable standing position. Mean frequency responses obtained from the raw EMG of the TRI for 2L and 1L increased (p<.001), from 69.8 ± 9.5 to 91.4 ± 10.6Hz, respectively and decreased (p<.005) 105.2 ± 15.1 to 91.4 ± 10.6Hz respectively for the GAS. Mean peak amplitudes obtained from the full-wave rectified EMG of the TRI for 2L and 1L decreased (p<.007) from 984.6 ± 577.0 to 863.4 ± 502.5μV, respectively. A Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test identified increased (p<.001) median peak amplitude for the GAS from 2L to 1L (10.7 and 119.7μV*s), respectively. Integrated EMG (iEMG, area under the curve) of the TRI decreased from 2L to 1L (831.94 ± 521.4 to 738.7 ± 420.2μV*s (p< .019), respectively, while the iEMG of the GAS increased (p< .001) from 2L to 1L (12.1 ± 13.1 to 111.9 ± 72.3μV*s, respectively). CONCLUSION These data suggest that exercising in an unstable position may alter the fiber recruitment patterns of the GAS and TRI and diminish the training stimulus on the TRI.

INFLUENCE OF EXERCISE ORDER ON THE NUMBER OF REPETITIONS PERFORMED AND PERCEIVED EXERTION DURING RESISTANCE EXERCISES

This study examined the performance effects of exercise order during a resistance-training session composed of only upper-body exercises. The 10 repetition maxmimum of 14 men and 4 women with at least 6 months of previous weight-training experience was determined for 5 upper-body exercises. Each subject then completed 2 training sessions separated by 48 hours in a counterbalanced crossover design. One session began with exercises of the large-muscle group and progressed to exercises of the small-muscle group (sequence A), whereas the other session was performed with the opposite exercise sequence (sequence B). The exercise order for sequence A was free-weight bench press (BP), machine lat pull-down (LPD), seated machine shoulder press (SP), standing free-weight biceps curl (BC) with a straight bar, and seated machine triceps extension (TE). The exercise order for sequence B was TE, BC, SP, LPD, and BP. During both sequences, 3 sets of each exercise were performed to concentric failure, with 2-minute recovery intervals between sets and exercises. Performing exercises of both the large- and the small-muscle groups at the end of an exercise sequence resulted in significantly fewer repetitions in the 3 sets of an exercise. This decrease in the number of repetitions performed was especially apparent in the third set when an exercise was performed last in an exercise sequence.

Influence of Exercise Order on the Number of Repetitions Performed and Perceived Exertion During Resistance Exercises

This study examined the performance effects of exercise order during a resistance-training session composed of only upper-body exercises. The 10 repetition maximum of 14 men and 4 women with at least 6 months of previous weight-training experience was determined for 5 upper-body exercises. Each subject then completed 2 training sessions separated by 48 hours in a counterbalanced crossover design. One session began with exercises of the large-muscle group and progressed to exercises of the small-muscle group (sequence A), whereas the other session was performed with the opposite exercise sequence (sequence B). The exercise order for sequence A was free-weight bench press (BP), machine lat pull-down (LPD), seated machine shoulder press (SP), standing free-weight biceps curl (BC) with a straight bar, and seated machine triceps extension (TE). The exercise order for sequence B was TE, BC, SP, LPD, and BP. During both sequences, 3 sets of each exercise were performed to concentric failure, with 2-minute recovery intervals between sets and exercises. Performing exercises of both the large- and the small-muscle groups at the end of an exercise sequence resulted in significantly fewer repetitions in the 3 sets of an exercise. This decrease in the number of repetitions performed was especially apparent in the third set when an exercise was performed last in an exercise sequence.

Replacing a Swiss ball for an exercise bench causes variable changes in trunk muscle activity during upper limb strength exercises

BackgroundThe addition of Swiss balls to conventional exercise programs has recently been adopted. Swiss balls are an unstable surface which may result in an increased need for force output from trunk muscles to provide adequate spinal stability or balance. The aim of the study was to determine whether the addition of a Swiss ball to upper body strength exercises results in consistent increases in trunk muscle activation levels.MethodsThe myoelectric activity of four trunk muscles was quantified during the performance of upper body resistance exercises while seated on both a stable (exercise bench) and labile (swiss ball) surface. Participants performed the supine chest press, shoulder press, lateral raise, biceps curl and overhead triceps extension. A repeated measures ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey test was used to determine the influence of seated surface type on muscle activity for each muscle.Results & DiscussionThere was no statistically significant (p < .05) difference in muscle activity between surface conditions. However, there was large degree of variability across subjects suggesting that some individuals respond differently to surface stability. These findings suggest that the incorporation of swiss balls instead of an exercise bench into upper body strength training regimes may not be justified based only on the belief that an increase spinal stabilizing musculature activity is inherent. Biomechanically justified ground based exercises have been researched and should form the basis for spinal stability training as preventative and therapeutic exercise training regimes.ConclusionSelected trunk muscle activity during certain upper limb strength training exercises is not consistently influenced by the replacement of an exercise bench with a swiss ball.

Muscular Strength and Endurance Alterations in Cancer Patients

0703 Current cancer treatments cause physiological toxicities, which lead to a diminished quality of life for cancer patients during and following treatment. These toxicities can manifest as increased fatigue and muscular weakness. Normal and cancer cells require ATP for normal function, and chemotherapy leads to an apoptotic chemical cascade that depletes ATP. ATP is important for muscular contraction to occur, depletion leads to a decrease in the strength and ability of the muscle to contract. Muscle weakness is also caused by increased protein catabolism that leads to a decrement in skeletal muscle mass. Aerobic exercise programs have decreased fatigue, but little research has focused on muscular strength and endurance. PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of an individualized six-month muscular strength and endurance exercise intervention on cancer patients. METHODS: One hundred-ten cancer patients were used for this investigation. Subjects were classified as exercise (n = 82) or non-exercise (n = 28) based on participation in the exercise program. Muscular strength was assessed with a hand-held dynamometer. Muscular endurance was assessed by the number of repetitions performed on various weight machines (bench press, shoulder press, leg press, lat pull-down, leg curl, and leg extension). Additionally, muscular endurance was measured by the number of crunches that could be performed per minute. After the six-month intervention, exercise and non-exercise subjects were reassessed in the same manner as the initial assessment. RESULTS: Repeated Measures ANOVA was used to determine significant change from pre to post exercise. The exercise group showed significant improvements in upper body (lat pull-down pp = .017, triceps extension pp = .027, shoulder press pp = .043), abdominal (crunches pp = .000), and lower body (leg press pp = .007) muscular endurance following the exercise intervention with no change in muscular strength. The non-exercise group showed no significant changes in upper body (lat pull-down, triceps extension, shoulder press), abdominal (crunches), or lower body endurance (leg press), and had a decrease in muscular strength (handgrip pp = .017). CONCLUSIONS: Muscular strength and endurance can be maintained or improved with exercise training in cancer patients. Suggesting an improved ATP availability and decreased protein catabolism.

Partial olecranon excision: The relationship between triceps insertion site and extension strength of the elbow

Purpose: Partial excision with triceps reattachment is an accepted method for treating comminuted fractures of the olecranon. The currently recommended site for reattachment is along the articular margin of the remaining olecranon process. With computer models suggesting that this may lead to weakness of elbow extension, this study was performed to evaluate different sites for triceps reattachment with respect to extension strength of the elbow. Method: Ten fresh frozen human cadavers were potted and the elbow placed in varying degrees of flexion (45°, 90°, and 135°). Incremental loads were applied to the triceps mechanism and the force generated was recorded using an Instron materials testing machine (Instron Corp., Canton, MA). A 50% olecranon excision was then performed, simulating a comminuted olecranon fracture. The triceps tendon was attached either anteriorly along the articular margin or posteriorly along the cortical margin. All specimens were tested at both insertion sites in random order. Results: A significant decrease in extension strength was observed between intact specimens and anterior attachment of the triceps tendon at all angles of elbow flexion. A decrease was only observed with posterior reattachment at 90°. Posterior reattachment provided greater extensor strength than anterior attachment, with greatest differences seen at increasing positions of elbow extension. Conclusions: Although anterior reattachment of the triceps tendon after partial excision of the olecranon is currently recommended by some, this results in diminished strength of the triceps mechanism. A greater mechanical advantage with increased strength is provided by a more posterior reattachment using the technique described. These differences are greatest at increasing positions of elbow extension where triceps strength is more functionally important. (J Hand Surg 2003;28A:117–122. Copyright © 2003 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.)

Accuracy of Seven Equations for Predicting 1-RM Performance of Apparently Healthy, Sedentary Older Adults

This study compared the relative accuracy, similarity, and average error of 7 prediction equations (Brzycki, 1993; Epley, 1985; Lander, 1985; Lombardi, 1989; Mayhew, Ball, Arnold, & Bowen, 1992; O'Connor, Simmons, & O´Shea, 1989; Wathen, 1994) for estimating 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) performance of older sedentary adults using Hammer Strength Iso-Lateral resistance exercise machines. Data were collected from 49 apparently healthy volunteers (26 males, 23 females) aged 53.55 ±3.34 (mean ± SD) years. 1-RM scores were obtained for biceps curl, chest press, high latissimus dorsi (lat) pull, incline chest press, leg curl, leg extension, low lat pull, leg press, shoulder press, and triceps extension. Repetitions to fatigue (RTF) for each exercise were determined by assigning each subject a percentage of his or her 1-RM ranging from 50% to 90%. Subjects performed as many repetitions as possible with the predetermined resistance. Predicted 1-RM (1-RMP) was evaluated by relative accuracy (correlation between 1-RM and 1-RMP), similarity (paired t-test between 1-RM and 1-RMP), and average error (sqrt[S(1RMP - 1RM)2/(n - 1)]). Relative accuracy, similarity, and average error improved significantly and gender differences were minimal when RTF £ 10. Accuracy of prediction equations varied over different resistance exercises. The Mayhew, Ball, Arnold et al. (1992), Epley (1985), and Wathen (1994) formulas evidenced the lowest average error (AE) and highest relative accuracy over the resistance exercises examined; however, both absolute AE and AE expressed as a percent of mean 1-RM were quite high for all formulas over all exercises.

Frequency of Training on Strength Development in Women 40 - 65 Years of Age

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of training two times per week versus three times per week on strength development in older women. Subjects were 59 women between the ages of 40 and 65 years. Variables measured were body weight, percent fat, girth, flexibility, and strength one-repetition maximums (1RM). Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two training groups: twice a week (2x) or three times a week (3x). Total training volume for the two groups was approximately equal and the training period lasted eight weeks. Pre-to-post results were analyzed within and between groups. Both training protocols were effective for reducing body fat and increasing strength as measured by the 1RM. The 3x group showed greater gains in increasing 1RMs in the Standing Lat Pull, Triceps Extension, and Leg Press. Most girth measurements in both groups did not significantly change, but both groups increased flexibility. In an age when time demands on women are increasing, resistive training two times a week is effective for producing strength gains.

Postexercise oxygen consumption and substrate use after resistance exercise in women.

This study investigated the acute effects of 45 min of resistance exercise (RE) on excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) and substrate oxidation 120 min after exercise in moderately trained women. Ten RE trained women (age = 29 +/- 3 yr; ht = 168 +/- 8.3 cm; wt = 59 +/- 5.7 kg; VO2max = 38.3 +/- 4.7 mL.kg-1.min-1) underwent two trials: control sitting and RE. Subjects acted as their own controls in a random counterbalanced design. A 2-d nonexercise period was established between testing trials. Oxygen consumption (VO2) and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were measured continuously by indirect calorimetry before, during, and after exercise and on a separate control day. RE consisted of 3 sets of 10 exercises at 10-repetition maximum with a 1-min rest period between each set. Fingertip samples of blood lactate concentration [BL] were collected immediately postexercise and every 30 min thereafter until [BL] returned to resting baseline values after exercise. The overall 2-h EPOC was 6.2-L (RE = 33.4 +/- 5.1 L vs control = 27.2 +/- 0.3 L), corresponding to an 18.6% elevation over the control period. RER was significantly (P < 0.01) below the control RER from minute 30 to minute 120 postexercise (RE = 0.75 +/- 0.01 vs control = 0.85 +/- 0.01). During the last 30 min of recovery, VO2 and [BL] had returned to control/baseline values and fat oxidation was significantly (P < 0.0001) higher (29.2 vs 16.3 kcal) after RE compared with the control trial. These data indicate that in young RE trained women, acute RE produces a modest increase in VO2 during a 2-h recovery period and an increase in fat oxidation.

ACCURACY OF SEVEN EQUATIONS FOR PREDICTING 1-RM PERFORMANCE OF OLDER ADULTS

1958 While numerous 1-RM prediction equations have been tested in younger active populations, their accuracy is unknown among older sedentary adults. This study compared seven prediction equations (Brzycki, Epley, Lander, Lombardi, Mayhew et al., O'Conner et al., and Wathan) for estimating 1-RM performance of older sedentary adults using Hammer Strength Iso-Lateral resistance exercise machines. Data were collected from 49 healthy volunteers (26 males, 23 females) aged 53.55±3.34 (mean±SD) years. 1-RM was obtained for chest press (CP), high lat pull (HL), leg curl (LC), leg press (LP), shoulder press (SP), low lat pull (LL), incline chest press (IC), leg extension (LE), biceps curl (BC) and triceps extension (TE). Repetitions to failure (RTF) for each exercise were determined while counterbalancing the design for order. Each subject was randomly assigned a percentage of their 1-RM ranging from 50-90% for each exercise. Subjects performed as many repetitions as possible with the predetermined resistance. Accuracy of predicted 1-RM (1-RMP) was evaluated by relative accuracy (correlation between 1-RM and 1-RMP), similarity (paired t-test between 1-RM and 1-RMP), and average error (sqrt[Σ(1RMP-1RM)2/n]). Correlations ranged from .41 (r2=.17) to .98 (r2=.96) (p<.005). However, with the exception of the Brzycki and Lander predictions for LP and TE, the lowest correlation was .81 (r2=.67) indicating that rank ordering of subjects by 1-RMP and 1-RM was similar. Similarity statistics revealed that the Brzycki and Lander equations showed no statistically significant mean differences (p>.05) in 1-RM for BC, LL, LE, LC, and TE, while the Epley and Wathan equations performed well for HL, LP and TE. When RTF ≤10 the average error expressed as a percent of mean 1-RM ranged from 7-20% over all formulas and exercises. The error increased to a range of 12-150% over the full range of RTF (1-40). The Brzycki and Lander's predictions produced unacceptable error (>75%) for LP and TE when RTF >30. Overall, the Epley and Wathan formulas produced the least error (13-22%) over the full range of RTF. In conclusion, all formulas rank ordered subjects similarly to 1-RM and produced similar average error when RTF ≤10. The Epley and Wathan formulas provided the best overall performance over all exercises and the full range of RTF.

A RESISTANCE EXERCISE CASE STUDY: HIGH VOLUME/INTENSITY VS. LOW VOLUME/HIGH INTENSITY

724 To examine a resistance exercise case study; high volume/intensity split (HVIS) routine vs. low volume/high intensity recoverability (LVHIR) routine of a 35 year-old military officer. Consistent training of a HVIS program averaging 20-25 sets/routine conducted 5-6 times/week (125 sets/week) was conducted by the subject for 5 months. Beginning December 1997, the primary investigator trained the subject during a 5-month period of a LVHIR program averaging 7-16 sets/routine conducted every 3rd or 4th day (23 sets/week, 37 workouts). The subject's nutrition generally consisted of 2,984 kilocalories, 57% carbohydrates, 30% protein (2.5 grams/kilogram of body mass/day), 13% fat per day. Body mass and skinfold thickness did not significantly change during either training period. At the peak of the HVIS program an extensive upper body routine was conducted consisting of 4-5 sets of 9 different exercises. The 4th or 5th set was conducted until momentary muscular, concentric failure (MMCF). After 5 months of LVHIR training, the same HVIS routine was duplicated paying attention to exact exercise movements and overload settings (both resistance & repetitions) for sets 1-3 and MMCF for the 4th/5th set. Results indicated the following: Exercise, Reference Weight, and MMCF/4th-5th Set Repetition Improvement (HVIS reps, LVHIR reps): Bench Press 225 (7, 17), Smith Incline Press 225 (4, 9), Decline Dumbbell Press 70 (7, 11), Dumbbell Flys 45 (6,9), Skull Crushers (Modified Triceps Extension) 90 (7,11), Standing French Curl 70 (8, 16), Cable Pushdowns 110 (8, 14), One-Arm Cable Reverse Pushdowns 35 (7, 12). MMCF/4th-5th set repetition improvement was found by participating in a "volume (set) reduction program" of approximately 82%. We conclude that a LVHIR resistance exercise routine was a time-efficient, extremely effective alternative to HVIS resistance exercise routines commonly practiced with regard to increasing the "last set" repetitions of a 9-exercise, upper body routine.

RESISTANCE TRAINING AND ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING IN OLDER ADULTS 606

We examined the effects of a 16-week resistance training (RT) program on muscular strength (MS) and activities of daily living (ADL) in 18 female and 4 male subjects (56-90 yrs; 71±8.5). A one repetition maximum (1RM) lift was used to evaluate upper and lower body MS in dominant (D) and non-dominant(ND) limbs. ADL were evaluated using the Chair-to-Counter test, a component of the Amundsen test battery. Subjects trained 3x/wk, 1 hr, 3 sets-6 reps at 70% of 1RM. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) revealed significant strength gains (p<0.05) in upper body MS for the: biceps curl(BC)-ND; triceps extension (TE)-D; lateral arm raise (LR)-D, ND; arm flexion(AF)-D, ND, as well as lower body MS for knee extension (KE)-D, ND; leg curl(LC)-D, ND and hip flexion (HF)-D, ND. Performance in theChair-to-Counter test improved by 16.1% (p<0.05) after training. A Pearson Product Moment Correlation (r) was applied to tests of MS and ADL prior to (T1) and after RT (T2). Table These findings suggest MS and ADL were significantly enhanced in older adults following 16 weeks of RT. Furthermore, the changes in correlations from T1 to T2 suggest the improvements in the ability to perform ADL were related to increases in MS.

RELIABILITY OF TEN NEW TESTS FOR ASSESSING FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE AND STRENGTH IN OLDER ADULTS 61

Strength gains in older adults have been documented using traditional(weights and machines) and non-traditional (elastic bands) resistance training modes. However, the extent to which these reported training-specific strength gains carryover to functional tasks is unknown. To gain insight into this question four functional tasks were developed and tested for reliability. Additionally, the reliabilities of six strength tests using a non-traditional form of resistance (i.e. elastic bands) were examined. Twenty nine community dwelling older adults age 65 or over (mean age=76) were tested on two days separated by one week. Time of day and order of testing was the same. Functional tasks were performed first in the following order: street cross-bus entry test, bed to chair to bed transfer test, stair climb test and car exit test. Three trials of each task were performed and time required to complete the task was averaged. Six strength tests were then performed in the following order: wall squat, hip flexion, ankle dorsiflexion, seated row, biceps curl, and triceps extension. Bands offering different resistances were used for testing. Strength was based on the maximal number of repetitions (less than 20) performed. Reliabilities and differences in measures between test days were determined using interclass correlations and paired t-tests, respectively. The interclass correlations for the functional tasks were high(r2=.87 to.98). The reliability of the strength tests ranged from low to high (r2=.48 to.93), with the wall squat yielding the highest value. Measures varied significantly (p<.05) between test days for all of the functional tasks and in four of the six strength tests. However, the differences indicate improvements in all of the tests, thus suggesting subject familiarization. In conclusion, the functional tasks developed and the wall squat strength test are reliable. With further subject familiarization these tests may be used to assess functional performance and strength in older adults.

Fat-free mass is maintained in women following a moderate diet and exercise program

Weight-loss programs usually result in fat-free mass (FFM) loss along with body-fat (BF) loss. This study examined which combination of diet + exercise would maintain FFM. Forty-four overweight, inactive women completed 20 wk of a randomized intervention: control (C, N = 6), diet only (D, N = 10), diet + cycling (DC, N = 8), diet + resistance training (DR, N = 11), or diet + resistance training + cycling (DRC, N = 9) group. FFM and %BF were determined from hydrostatic weighting. Exercise sessions were attended 3 d.wk-1, with a mean duration of 30 min per session. Caloric intake was reduced 628 kcal.d-1 (+/- 59). Chi squares and ANOVA showed no baseline differences between groups for socioeconomic status, age, body composition, aerobic capacity, or strength. One-way ANOVA of change with Student-Newman Keul multiple range post-hoc tests (P < 0.05) were used to analyze pre to post differences for %BF, body mass (BM), FFM, VO2max, and strength. D, DC, DR, and DRC lost significant BM (-3.7 to -5.4 kg) in comparison with C (+ 1.5 kg). All groups maintained FFM but only DRC significantly lowered %BF (-4.7%) in comparison with C. DRC and DC significantly increased VO2max. Strength 1RM (triceps extension, arm curl, leg extension, chest press) increased significantly for both DR and DRC. Results suggest that moderate levels of caloric restriction, aerobic cycle exercise, and/or resistance training are equally effective in maintaining FFM while encouraging body mass loss.

Effect of 6 months of exercise training on cardiovascular responses to head‐up tilt in the elderly

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of 6 months of exercise training on cardiovascular responses to 70 degrees head-up tilt (HUT) in the elderly. Forty-four elderly men and women (ages 60-82 years) were assigned to endurance training alone (n = 18), endurance training in combination with selected resistance exercises (n = 17), or to a non-exercising control group (n = 9). Head-up tilt testing at the start (T1) and end (T2) of 26 weeks of training consisted of 30 min of supine rest, 15 min of 70 degrees HUT, and 15 min of supine recovery. Endurance training consisted of uphill treadmill walking or stair climbing exercise 3 times per week, 30-45 min/day, at 75-85% of maximal heart rate reserve. In addition, the endurance/resistance group completed one set of 8-15 repetitions of biceps curl (BC), triceps extension (TE), and leg press, 3 times per week. After 26 weeks, increases in VO2max averaged 16.2% and 12.3% for endurance and endurance/resistance groups, respectively. In addition, the endurance/resistance group increased BC and TE strength by 25.3% and 26.1%, respectively. Results from the HUT test indicated that only the endurance group increased supine resting stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (Q) from T1 to T2; however, SV and Q during HUT were not augmented as a result of training. Training did not affect heart rate, blood pressure, or peripheral resistance responses at rest or during HUT in any of the groups. These results suggest that 6 months of endurance training, alone or in combination with selected resistance exercises, is not detrimental to blood pressure controlling mechanisms to head-up tilt in the elderly.