Effects of resistance training on physical function in older disabled women with coronary heart disease.
We studied whether disabled older women with coronary heart disease can perform resistance training at an intensity sufficient to improve measured and self-reported physical function [n = 30, 70.6 +/- 4.5 (SD) yr]. Compared with the controls, the resistance-training group showed significant improvements in overall measured physical function score using the Continuous-Scale Physical Functional Performance Test (+24 vs. +3%). The Continuous-Scale Physical Functional Performance Test measures physical function for 15 practical activities, such as carrying groceries or climbing stairs. Resistance training led to improved measures for domains of upper body strength (+18 vs. +6%), lower body strength (+23 vs. +6%), endurance (+26 vs. +1%), balance and coordination (+29 vs. -2%), and 6-min walk (+15 vs. +7%). Women involved in the flexibility-control group showed essentially no improvement for physical function measures. No changes were observed for body composition, aerobic capacity, or self-reported physical function in either group. In conclusion, disabled older women with coronary heart disease who participate in strength training are able to train at an intensity sufficient to result in improvements in multiple domains of measured physical functional performance, despite no change in lean body mass.
Brochu
Martin
M
Division of Cardiology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont 05405, USA.
Savage
Patrick
P
Lee
Melinda
M
Dee
Justine
J
Cress
M Elaine
ME
Poehlman
Eric T
ET
Tischler
Marc
M
Ades
Philip A
PA
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014891:Weight Lifting