(29-01-06) Resistance exercise improves physical performance in the elderly

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Simple exercises conducted on resistance training machines lead to a variety of favorable effects on muscle strength and performance in the elderly, Australian researchers report in the December issue of the Journal of the American Geriatric Society. Moreover, even relatively low-volume work leads to significant improvement.

As investigator Dr. Dennis R. Taaffe told Reuters Health, "only a modest amount of resistance exercise, performed on a regular basis, is required to enhance muscle strength and physical performance in older adults, which may assist in the prevention of disability and thereby prolong independence."
Dr. Taaffe of the University of Queensland, Brisbane and Daniel A. Galvao of Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, determined if a single-set or three-set exercise regimen improves physical function in 28 women and men between the ages of 65 and 78 years old.
The subjects were randomized to high-intensity resistance training involving one or three sets of seven exercises. Both targeted muscle groups of the upper and lower body. Exercises were conducted twice a week for 20 weeks.
At follow-up, both groups showed a significant increase in isotonic muscle strength (p < 0.01). There were larger improvements in the three-set group; these subjects had a significantly greater increase in muscle strength and endurance (p < 0.05). However, both groups demonstrated considerable benefit.
This is of importance concluded Dr. Taaffe, because "shorter exercise protocols would be beneficial in community-based programs, permitting a larger number of people to train with the available equipment."

Source : J Am Geriatr Soc 2005;53:2090-2097.

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