ABSTRACT
Comorbidities affecting physical function increase with advanced-age and rural living. This study investigated the degree of benefit from resistance training (RT) in older adults based on age (50-89 years), location (urban vs. rural), and program duration (10 vs. 8-weeks). 260 participants completed pre- and post-program dynamic and static tasks and flexibility testing. Paired and independent t-tests and one-way and repeated measures ANOVAs were used to test group improvements. All ages improved performance (all p ≤ .002) but those in their 50's improved flexibility the most and those in their 60's improved 30STS more and tandem balance less than those in their 80's. Both rural and urban participants improved in all areas (all p ≤ .002), but rural participants reported greater improvements in tandem balance. Both 10- and 8-week classes improved performance (all p ≤ .001), but 8-week participants improved dynamic tasks and tandem balance more. RT can reduce functional discrepancies in older adults and rural residents.
ABSTRACT
UNLABELLED: Loss of muscle strength, flexibility, and balance are strong predictors of falls in the elderly. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of a 10-week, strength-based exercise program delivered by Extension professionals. METHODS: Matched pair t tests were used to compare differences in five measures of fitness collected from 808 participants (mean age = 65.4 years) at the start and finish of the exercise program. RESULTS: Following programming, participants significantly improved strength, flexibility, and balance. DISCUSSION: Results indicate that an evidence-based program can be translated into a community Extension program that is able to improve the fitness level of seniors.
