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  • Title: Long-term strength and balance training in prevention of decline in muscle strength and mobility in older adults.
    Author: Aartolahti E, Lönnroos E, Hartikainen S, Häkkinen A.
    Journal: Aging Clin Exp Res; 2020 Jan; 32(1):59-66. PubMed ID: 30830597.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Reductions in muscle strength and poor balance may lead to mobility limitations in older age. AIMS: We assessed the effects of long-term once-weekly strength and balance training (SBT) on muscle strength and physical functioning in a community-based sample of older adults. METHODS: 182 individuals [130 women and 52 men, mean age 80 (SD ± 3.9) years] underwent supervised SBT as part of the Geriatric Multidisciplinary Strategy for the Good Care of the Elderly study. Training was offered once a week for 2.3 years. Isometric knee extension and flexion strength, chair rise, maximal walking speed, timed up and go (TUG) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were measured at baseline, after 2-year training and at post intervention follow-up. A linear mixed model was used to examine the change in physical functioning over time. RESULTS: During the intervention, both women (2.5 s, p < 0.001) and men (1.4 s, p = 0.013) improved their chair rise capacity. Women's knee extension and flexion strength improved by 14.1 N (p = 0.003) and 16.3 N (p < 0.001), respectively. Their maximal walking speed also improved by 0.08 m/s (p < 0.001). In men, no changes in muscle strength or walking speed occurred during training or follow-up. No changes in BBS and TUG were observed at the end of the intervention, but decrease in BBS was observed at post-intervention follow-up in men. CONCLUSIONS: In community-dwelling older adults with variety in health and functioning supervised strength and balance training once a week may help to prevent age-related decline in mobility and muscle strength.
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