A follow-up study on the effects of strength training with older adults.
This study was designed to evaluate changes in strength, and functional ability in older adults after completion of a 4-month strength training intervention. The follow-up sample consisted of 30 older adults (12 men and 18 women, 100% Caucasian; mean age = 71.8) who were evaluated an average of 15 months after completion of the training intervention. At the follow-up testing, 45% of the subjects reported that they continued strength training on their own after the conclusion of the strength training intervention. The data were evaluated for pre-, post-training, and follow-up differences via repeated measures ANOVA and Scheffé HSD tests. After the intervention, the subjects showed significant improvement in muscular strength and one of the functional tasks measuring coordination. From post- to the 15 month follow-up, the subjects declined in muscular strength and functional ability (mobility). However, at follow-up the subjects were stronger and had better coordination than before they entered the strength training intervention. These results suggest benefits were retained 15 months after the strength training intervention in a sample of relatively healthy older adults.
Rehabilitation Research and Development Center, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA.
L W
LW
Boyette
B F
BF
Sharon
L J
LJ
Brandon
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014891:Weight Lifting / Q000502:physiology*