Strength training improves the tri-digit finger-pinch force control of older adults.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of unilateral upper-limb strength training on the finger-pinch force control of older men.


METHODS
Pretest and post-test 6-week intervention study.


METHODS
Exercise science research laboratory.


METHODS
Eleven neurologically fit older men (age range, 70-80y).


METHODS
The strength training group (n=7) trained twice a week for 6 weeks, performing dumbbell bicep curls, wrist flexions, and wrists extensions, while the control group subjects (n=4) maintained their normal activities.


METHODS
Changes in force variability, targeting error, peak power frequency, proportional power, sample entropy, digit force sharing, and coupling relations were assessed during a series of finger-pinch tasks. These tasks involved maintaining a constant or sinusoidal force output at 20% and 40% of each subject's maximum voluntary contraction. All participants performed the finger-pinch tasks with both the preferred and nonpreferred limbs.


RESULTS
Analysis of covariance for between-group change scores indicated that the strength training group (trained limb) experienced significantly greater reductions in finger-pinch force variability and targeting error, as well as significantly greater increases in finger-pinch force, sample entropy, bicep curl, and wrist flexion strength than did the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
A nonspecific upper-limb strength-training program may improve the finger-pinch force control of older men.
Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, Division of Sport and Recreation, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand. justin.keogh@aut.ac.nz
Justin W
JW
Keogh
Steve
S
Morrison
Rod
R
Barrett
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D004576:Electromyography; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005385:Fingers / Q000502:physiology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D052581:Pinch Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D011379:Prognosis