Effects of 10-week walking and walking with home-based resistance training on muscle quality, muscle size, and physical functional tests in healthy older individuals

Abstract

BackgroundOlder individuals have been shown to present muscle atrophy in conjunction with increased fat fraction in some muscles. The proportion of fat and connective tissue within the skeletal muscle can be estimated from axial B-mode ultrasound images using echo intensity (EI). EI was used to calculate the index of muscle quality. Walking, home-based weight-bearing resistance training, and its combinations are considered simple, easy, and practical exercise interventions for older adults. The purpose of this study was to quantify the effects of walking and walking with home-based resistance training on muscle quality of older individuals.MethodsThirty-one participants performed walking training only (W-group; 72 ± 5 years) and 33 participants performed walking and home-based resistance training (WR-group; 73 ± 6 years). This study was a non-randomized controlled trial with no control group. All participants were instructed to walk 2 or 3 sets per week for 10 weeks (one set: 30-min continuous walking). In addition, the WR-group performed home-based weight-bearing resistance training. EI was measured as a muscle quality index using axial B-mode ultrasound images of the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis of the mid-thigh. We further averaged these parameters to obtain the EI of the quadriceps femoris (QF). Participants further performed five functional tests: sit-ups, supine up, sit-to-stand, 5-m maximal walk, and 6-min walk.ResultsQF EI was significantly decreased in both groups after training (W-group 69.9 ± 7.4 a.u. to 61.7 ± 7.0 a.u., WR-group 64.0 ± 9.5 a.u. to 51.1 ± 10.0 a.u.; P < 0.05), suggesting improved muscle quality. QF EI was further decreased in the WR-group compared with the W-group. The sit-up test in both groups and the sit-to-stand and 5-m maximal walk tests in the W-group were significantly improved after training.ConclusionThese results suggest that training-induced stimulation is associated with a decrease in EI in some thigh regions. Furthermore, the addition of home-based resistance training to walking would be effective for a greater reduction of EI.

Sarcopenia as a Mediator of the Effect of a Gerontogymnastics Program on Cardiorespiratory Fitness of Overweight and Obese Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Other studies that implemented a similar exercise program also reported improvements in functional capacity and fitness [ 42 , 47 , 71 , 72 , 73 ]. These studies implemented their programs from 8 to 18 weeks, with a frequency of three times per week and a session duration ranging from 50 min to 60 min.…”

“…Therefore, strategies are needed to encourage changes in body composition and physical condition [ 36 , 37 ]. Exercise programs, such as gerontogymnastics, which include resistance and aerobic training, are an optimal strategy for maintaining muscle mass and its protective effects against a variety of chronic diseases [ 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 ]. However, older adults with low functional capacity may not be able to develop resistance programs leading to improved CRF, due to their low fitness [ 43 ].…”

<p>Association Between Objectively Measured Physical Activity And Musculoskeletal Disorders, And Perceived Work Ability Among Adult, Middle-Aged And Older Women</p>

“…This has contributed to a systematic increase in the amount of research concerning health-related effects of various physical training interventions in middle-aged and older people. [18][19][20][21] Physical activity can prevent and reduce the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders in populations of all ages. [22][23][24][25] However, this is especially important in professionally active workers, as musculoskeletal pain can be the factor that reduces the ability and capacity to work.…”

Effects of Lower Extremity Eccentric-Based Training on Muscle Strength and Physical Function in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

“…The reason for this is that muscle atrophy due to aging is part of several functional disorders, including decreased muscle strength and flexibility, vulnerability to injury, and delayed functional recovery [3][4][5]. Compared to young and middleaged adults, people aged 70-85 years old experience a 30% decrease in muscle mass [6].Resistance training has become a strategy to prevent muscle atrophy [7].It also improves physical function, muscle strength, and the ability to maintain muscle mass [8]. Recently, mechanism-based (power training, eccentric training, high intensity interval training, hybrid electrical stimulation training) interventions incorporated with age-related changes have been attempted in exercise interventions for older adults [9-12].…”