Exercise Training for Older Adults with Limitations in Physical Function
in Journal of Aging and Physical ActivityClick name to view affiliation
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an 8-week supervised exercise program on physiological measurements during treadmill walking, muscle strength, functional performance, and health status in older adults limited in physical function. Twenty-four participants were randomly assigned to an exercise group (EG, N = 13) or a control group (CG, N = 11), and were evaluated before and after the exercise program (EG) or 8-week period (CG). Evaluations included a progressive treadmill lest, strength testing, the Physical Performance Test (PPT), and the SF-36 Health Survey. The exercise program consisted of 3 sessions per week of brisk walking and strengthening exercises. The EG demonstrated increases in cardiorespiratory fitness and increases in treadmill walking time. The EG also demonstrated increases in force production in 3 of the 6 muscle groups that were tested. Both the EG and CG demonstrated improvements in PPT scores and in 2 health concepts on the SF-36 Health Survey.
Claire Peel is with the Division of Physical Therapy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, 900 S. 19th St., Birmingham, AL 35294-1270. Carolyn Utsey and Jan MacGregor are with University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1028.
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