Citation

Baker BS, Weitzel KJ, Royse LA, Miller K, Guess TM, Ball SD, Duren DL. J. Aging Phys. Act. 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Human Kinetics Publishers)

DOI

10.1123/japa.2020-0078

PMID

32788412

Abstract

Older adults are challenged with aging-related declines in skeletal muscle mass and function. Although exercise interventions of longer duration typically yield larger changes, shorter-term interventions may kick-start positive effects, allowing participants to begin engaging in more activity. This study aimed to determine whether 8 weeks of a resistance training program (Stay Strong, Stay Healthy [SSSH]) improved dynamic muscle strength, balance, flexibility, and sleep. Inactive adults aged ≥60 years were randomized into SSSH (n = 15), walking (WALK; n = 17), or control (CON; n = 14) groups. The SSSH and WALK groups met 2 times per week for 60 min. The participants completed pre/post general health, activity, and sleep questionnaires; DXA scans; and functional tasks. One-way repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine interactions and decomposed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. SSSH improved sit-to-stand performance, back scratch distance, and sleep quality and reported more auxiliary physical activity than WALK or CON (p <.05). Resistance training interventions in sedentary older adults can improve physical function and encourage additional activity in 8 weeks.

Language: en

Keywords

elderly; dynamic balance; muscle strength