Long-term strength and balance training in prevention of decline in muscle strength and mobility in older adults

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.