Impact of low cost strength training of dorsi- and plantar flexors on balance and functional mobility in institutionalized elderly people
- 1 March 2009
- journal article
- Published by Wiley in Geriatrics & Gerontology International
- Vol. 9 (1), 75-80
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1447-0594.2008.00500.x
Abstract
To evaluate the effects of a low cost strength training program of the dorsi- and ankle plantar flexors on muscle strength, balance and functional mobility, in elderly institutionalized subjects; and to determine the association between strength gain and balance and/or functional mobility gain. Forty-eight volunteers were recruited and equally divided into two groups: intervention (aged 78.44 +/- 3.84 years) and control (aged 79.78 +/- 3.90 years). Both groups were tested at baseline and outcome for ankle dorsi- and plantar flexors muscle strength, balance and functional mobility. The intervention group participated in a 6-week program, three-sessions-per-week, of resisted ankle dorsi- and plantar flexion exercises using elastic bands. In the intervention group, maximal isometric dorsi- (from 8.4 +/- 0.45 to 12.6 +/- 0.95 kg; P <or= 0.001) and plantar flexors strength (from 13.0 +/- 0.85 to 17.5 +/- 0.93 kg; P <or= 0.001), balance (from 14.6 +/- 0.54 to 22.3 +/- 1.81 cm; P <or= 0.001) and functional mobility (from 18.4 +/- 0.51 to 11.0 +/- 0.66 s; P <or= 0.001) increased significantly after the 6-week strength training program. In the control group, no significant differences were detected. In the intervention group, a significant correlation between plantar flexor strength gain and balance gain was found (r = 0.826; P = 0.01). The proposed low cost strength training of dorsi- and plantar flexors improved strength, balance and functional mobility in institutionalized elderly people; moreover, the improvement in plantar flexor strength was associated with the improvement in balance.Keywords
This publication has 29 references indexed in Scilit:
- Functional benefits of combined resistance training with nutritional interventions in older adults: A reviewGeriatrics & Gerontology International, 2007
- The feasibility of whole body vibration in institutionalised elderly persons and its influence on muscle performance, balance and mobility: a randomised controlled trial [ISRCTN62535013]BMC Geriatrics, 2005
- Preventing Falls in Elderly PersonsThe New England Journal of Medicine, 2003
- A Conceptual Framework of Frailty: A ReviewThe Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 2002
- Frailty in Older Adults: Evidence for a PhenotypeThe Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 2001
- Balance and Ankle Range of Motion in Community-Dwelling Women Aged 64 to 87 Years: A Correlational StudyPTJ: Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal, 2000
- Moderate exercise improves gait stability in disabled eldersArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 1998
- Is lower extremity strength gain associated with improvement in physical performance and disability in frail, community-dwelling elders?Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 1998
- Prevention of falls in the elderlyBone, 1996
- Lower-Extremity Function in Persons over the Age of 70 Years as a Predictor of Subsequent DisabilityThe New England Journal of Medicine, 1995