Effects of a resistance training community programme in older adults

Abstract

AbstractAgeing is associated with reduced muscle mass, strength, flexibility and balance, resulting in a poor quality of life (QOL). Past studies have occurred in highly controlled laboratory settings which provide strong support to determine whether similar gains can be made in community programmes. Twenty participants were enrolled in an eight-week community-based resistance training programme (mean age = 61.3 (standard error (SE) = 0.9) years); Body Mass Index = 32.0 (SE = 1.3) kg/m2). All participants completed surveys to assess outcomes associated with QOL. Given the relationship between muscle function and nerve health, nerve conduction studies (NCS) were also conducted in a separate group of participants (mean age = 64.9 (SE = 2.0) years; Body Mass Index = 32.6 (SE = 1.9) kg/m2). This community-based training programme significantly improved QOL measures in older adults (p< 0.001). Although weight loss was not the primary outcome of the study, participants reduced their body weights (p< 0.001), by primarily reducing fat mass (p= 0.007) while maintaining muscle mass. Significant improvements were observed in muscle strength (2.2%), flexibility and balance (3.2–464.2%,p⩽ 0.05 for all). Improvements were also observed in plasma glucose (p= 0.05), haemoglobin A1C (p= 0.06) and aldolase enzyme levels (p< 0.001). Scores for surveys on memory and sleep improved (p< 0.05). Improved QOL was associated with increased lean mass (r= −0.714,p= 0.002), decreased fat mass (r= −0.702,p= 0.003) and improved flexibility and balance (r= −0.627,p= 0.008). An eight-week, community-based resistance training programme significantly improved QOL in older adults. Influence on the lipid profile and NCS still needs further investigation.