Self-paced resistance training and walking exercise in community-dwelling older adults: effects on neuromotor performance.
BACKGROUND
Resistance-training intervention studies have demonstrated meaningful health benefits in older adults; however, most have used exercises performed at specific intensities on expensive equipment, which limit their widespread applicability. We tested whether two self-paced, less expensive exercise protocols could be effective and safe for modifying neuromotor performance and functional capacity in community-dwelling adults 65-95 years of age.


METHODS
One hundred and thirty-one subjects were randomized to a novel resistance training, walking, or control group. Subjects determined their level of resistance or walking intensity (self-paced) on a session-by-session basis. Muscle strength, balance, reaction time, stair climbing speed, and a timed pen pickup task were measured before and after the intervention period. Exercisers met three times per week for 10 months.


RESULTS
Significant improvements in tandem stance and single-legged stance with eyes open times and stair climbing speed were seen in both exercise groups. In addition, resistance trainers improved their muscle strength and ability to pick up an object from the floor and reduced the number of missteps taken during tandem walking, and walkers reduced tandem walking time. Controls showed no significant improvement in any variable.


CONCLUSIONS
The two self-paced exercise protocols were effective at improving neuromotor performance and functional capacity in the study sample and show promise as a safe, effective, cost-efficient, acceptable exercise model for primary and secondary prevention in the general population of community-dwelling older adults.
Rooks
D S
DS
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, USA.
Kiel
D P
DP
Parsons
C
C
Hayes
W C
WC
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D003153:Community Health Services; D015444:Exercise; D018737:Hand Strength; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D004856:Postural Balance; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D011930:Reaction Time; D016138:Walking