Resistive training and long-term function in older adults.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 24-month moderate-intensity resistive-training intervention on strength and function in older adults. A repeated-measures experimental research design was employed as a sample of 55 apparently healthy, older, community-dwelling volunteers (30 exercisers- 25 women and 5 men; 25 comparisons- 16 women and 9 men) were evaluated for strength of 5 muscle groups that influence lower extremity movement and physical function. Strength and function were evaluated at 6-month intervals. The findings from this study indicate that a moderate-intensity resistive-training program increases strength in older adults and that the strength benefits are retained for the duration of the intervention. Furthermore, a long-term strength-training program can increase independent-function skills in older adults and might therefore aid in prolonging functional independence.

Effects of long-term resistive training on mobility and strength in older adults with diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Strength training has been shown to be beneficial in older adults. However, very little data exist on the effects of strength training in older diabetics. METHODS: 31 community-dwelling older adults with diabetes (mean age = 66.1 years) were randomly assigned to either an exercise (EX) or control (CO) group. The EX group trained the plantar flexors, knee extensors, knee flexors, hip extensors, and hip flexors muscle groups at 50%, 60%, and 70% of 1-repetition maximum, 2.6 days a week, for 24 months. Mobility tests included the timed up and go, 50-foot walk, and walking up and down 8 stairs. Strength and mobility for both groups were evaluated at 6-month intervals. RESULTS: There was a group and time effect as the EX group increased 31.4% (p <.001) in strength for all muscle groups after the first 6 months of training, and the strength gains were retained for the duration of the training intervention. There was also a group and time effect for mobility as performance increased 8.6% and 9.8% (p =.032 and p = 0.031) for the first 6 and 12 months, respectively, but decreased to 4.6% above baseline at the end of the intervention. There were essentially no changes from baseline strength or mobility values for the CO group. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, these data suggest that a moderate-intensity resistive-training program can improve mobility and strength for the duration of a 24-month intervention in older adults with diabetes, thus potentially reducing the rate of mobility loss during aging.

Personal characteristics that influence exercise behavior of older adults.

Long-term exercise participation among older adults will result in healthier lifestyles and reduced need for health care. A better understanding, therefore, of what influences older individuals to start and maintain exercise plans would be beneficial. The twofold purpose of this study was (1) to create a knowledge base of determinants that influence exercise behavior in older adults and (2) to have health professionals prioritize determinants that affect exercise initiation and adherence in older adults. The expert panel examined nine determinants within the category of personal characteristics: age, gender, ethnicity, occupation, educational level, socioeconomic status, biomedical status, smoking status, and past exercise participation. The experts rated the determinants on importance for influencing exercise behavior of older adults. This expert panel concluded that older adults who are in good health and have a history of exercise activity might be more likely to participate in long-term exercise programs.