Resistance training congruent with minimal guidelines improves function in older adults: a pilot study.
BACKGROUND
To examine the effectiveness of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Heart Association (AHA) resistance training (RT) guidelines to improve physical function and functional classification in older adults with reduced physical abilities.


METHODS
Twenty-five at-risk older adults were randomized to a control (CON = 13) or 8-week resistance training intervention arm (RT = 12). Progressive RT included 8 exercises for 1 set of 10 repetitions at a perceived exertion of 5-6 performed twice a week. Individuals were assessed for physical function and functional classification change (low, moderate or high) by the short physical performance battery (SPPB) and muscle strength measures.


RESULTS
Postintervention, significant differences were found between groups for SPPB-Chair Stand [F(1,22) = 9.14, P < .01, η = .29] and SPPB-Total Score [F(1,22) = 7.40, P < .05, η = .25]. Functional classification was improved as a result of the intervention with 83% of participants in the RT group improving from low to moderate functioning or moderate to high functioning. Strength significantly improved on all exercises in the RT compared with the CON group.


CONCLUSIONS
A RT program congruent with the current ASCM and AHA guidelines is effective to improve overall physical function, functional classification, and muscle strength for older adults with reduced physical abilities.
Dept of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Keith P
KP
Gennuso
Kathryn
K
Zalewski
Susan E
SE
Cashin
Scott J
SJ
Strath
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015444:Exercise; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D055070:Resistance Training; D014481:United States