Effects of resistance training and detraining on muscle strength and functional performance of older adults aged 80 to 88 years.
OBJECTIVE
Limited data exist on the effects of resistance training and detraining on functional performance in very old adults aged >80 years. First, to determine the effects of an 8-week resistance exercise program on muscle strength and functional performance in very old men. Second, to examine the effect of a 6-week detraining period in muscle strength and functional performance.


METHODS
Twenty- two men, aged >80 years, were randomized to three groups: resistance exercise-detraining group (RDT; n=8), resistance exercise group (RT; n=7) and control group (CON; n=7). RT and RDT groups performed an 8 week resistance exercise program for lower and upper muscle groups, two times a week. Thereafter, RDT underwent a 6-week detraining period, whereas the RT group continued resistance exercise. 3-RM strength, 6-minute walk distance (6-MWD), chair rising time, and Timed-Up and Go (TUG) tests were assessed at baseline, and at week 8 and week 14.


RESULTS
Significant improvements were observed in 3-RM strength (25% to 55%; p<0.001) and functional performance (15 to 25%; p<0.001) tests, in RDT and RT after 8 weeks of exercise. RT continued to improve muscle strength and 6-MWD significantly (p<0.05) until the end of the exercise period, whereas significant declines in muscle strength (60 to 87%; p<0.05) and functional performance (36 to 70%; p<0.05) gains occurred during the exercise period were observed in RDT during the 6-week detraining period. No significant differences were observed in the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
Results indicate that a resistance exercise program induces favorable muscular and functional adaptations in very old adults. However, a significant part of the favorable adaptations obtained after resistance exercise may be lost within 6 weeks of detraining. Therefore, very old adults should follow a long-term and systematic routine of exercise throughout life, in order to improve and maintain their physical functions and to ameliorate their life status.
Kalapotharakos
Vasilios I
VI
Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Greece.
Diamantopoulos
Konstantinos
K
Tokmakidis
Savvas P
SP
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*