Efficacy of resistance and task-specific exercise in older adults who modify tasks of everyday life.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of 10 weeks of resistance (RT), functional (FT), or functional plus resistance (FRT) training in older adults who modify tasks of everyday life and are at risk for subsequent disability.


METHODS
Thirty-two older adults (75.8 +/- 6.7 years) were tested following a control period and training. The primary outcome of the study was the number of task modifications and timed performance on eight tasks of daily life. Secondary outcomes included knee and elbow strength (extension and flexion), body composition, self-reported physical function, single-leg balance time, walking speed, and time to vacuum a carpet. The RT group performed progressive intensity training, and the FT group performed task-specific exercises 2 days per week. The FRT group performed 1 day of each training type.


RESULTS
No changes occurred in the control period. All three training groups reduced the need to modify tasks of everyday life (RT: 21%, FRT: 26%, and FT: 28%) and improved self-rated function and time to vacuum a carpet. Individuals who performed FT either 1 or 2 days per week also reduced their timed performance (RT: 2.5% [p = 0.48], FRT: 18.5%, and FT: 23%). Strength gains were primarily found in groups that performed RT either 1 or 2 days per week (RT and FRT). No significant changes occurred in walking speed, single-leg balance, or body composition.


CONCLUSIONS
The benefits of exercise are dependent on tasks performed during training. Exercise recommendations for low-functioning older adults should reflect task-specific exercise to prevent the onset of disability.
Manini
Todd
T
Department of Aging and Geriatrics, College of Medicine, Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32605, USA. tmanini@aging.ufl.edu
Marko
Moshe
M
VanArnam
Tom
T
Cook
Summer
S
Fernhall
Bo
B
Burke
Jeanmarie
J
Ploutz-Snyder
Lori
L
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000502:physiology; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology; D014891:Weight Lifting