Abstract
Little is known about low-level mildly progressive, strength training programs for frail elderly adults who live in extended attention housing. To study the effects of a low-level strength training program, a group of 12 frail elderly adults, aged 70 to 93 years, residing in an extended attention facility, participated in a strength training exercise program using ankle and wrist weights. Baseline measurements of elbow and knee flexor and extensor muscle strength were taken with a handheld dynamometer prior to initiation of the strength training program, and every three weeks during the 12-week period of exercise with weights. Muscle strength of elbow and knee flexors improved significantly by the end of the 12-week period (p<0.05). Elbow and knee extensors did not show significant increases in muscle strength, but were maintained. It is concluded that muscle strength can be maintained or improved in adults over 70 who live in an extended attention facility using a low-level, mildly progressive, resistive exercise program. The program is safe, inexpensive, practical and can be used in clinical as well as community settings. (Aging Clin. Exp. Res. 5: 363-369, 1993)
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Frontera W.R., Meredith C.N., O’Reilly K.P., Knuttgen H.G., Evans W.J.: Strength conditioning in older men: skeletal muscle hypertrophy and improved function. J. Appl. Physiol 64: 1038–1044, 1988.
Moritani T.: Training adaptations in the muscles of older men. In: Smith E.L., Serfass R.C. (Eds.), Exercise and Aging: The Scientific Basis. Enslow Publishers, Hillside NJ, 1981, pp. 149–163.
Munns K.: Effects of exercise on range of joint motion in elderly subjects. In: Smith E.L., Serfass R.C. (Eds.), Exercise and Aging: The Scientific Basis. Enslow Publishers, Hillside NJ, 1981, pp. 167–178.
Fiatarone M.A., Marks E.C., Ryan N.D., Meredith C.N., Lipsitz L.A., Evans W.J.: High intensity strength training in nonagenarians (effects on skeletal muscle). JAMA 263: 3029–3034, 1990.
Bohannon R.W.: Test-retest reliability of handheld dynamometry during a single session of strength assessment. Phys. Ther. 66: 206–209, 1986.
Wikholm J., Bohannon R.: Handheld dynamometer measurements: tester strength makes a difference. J. Orthop. Sports Phys. Ther. 13: 191–198, 1991.
Borg G.: Perceived exertion as an indicator of somatic stress. Scand. J. Rehabil. Med. 2: 92–98, 1970.
Rudelli R.: The syndrome of musculoskeletal aging. In: Jarricki M.P., Wisnewski H.K. (Eds.), Aging and Developmental Disabilities, Issues and Approaches. Brooks Publishers, Baltimore MD, 1988, pp. 229–239.
Steen B.: Body composition with aging. Nutr. Rev. 46: 45–51, 1988.
King A.C., Martin J.E.: Adherence to exercise. In: Blair S.N., Painter P., Pate R.R., Smith L.K., Taylor C.B. (Eds.), Resource Manual for Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia PA, 1988, pp. 335–344.
Brown M., Holloszy J.O.: Effects of a low intensity exercise program on selected physical performance characteristics of 60 to 70 year olds. Aging Clin. Exp. Res. 3: 129–139, 1991.
Agre C., Pierce L., Raab D., McAdams M., Smith E.: Light resistance and stretching exercise in elderly women: effects upon strength. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 69: 273–276, 1988.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
The abstract was presented at the National Physical Therapy Conference, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A., June 1991.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Vitti, K.A., Bayles, C.M., Carcnder, W.J. et al. A low-level strength training exercise program for frail elderly adults living in an extended attention facility. Aging Clin Exp Res 5, 363–369 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03324190
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03324190