Effects of progressive strength training on the performance of the Functional Reach Test and the Timed Get-Up-and-Go Test in an elderly population from the rural north of Portugal

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of an intensity progressive strength training program on the performance of two tests related to fall risk: the Functional Reach Test (FRT) and the Timed Get-Up-and-Go Test (TUG). Twenty subjects were randomly included in one experimental group (age 73 +/- 6 years old) and one control group (age 75 +/- 5 years old). Subjects from the experimental group participated in a strength-training program consisting of three sessions each week for a period of 14 consecutive weeks, from 50% to 80% of 1RM. A 2 (group: experimental vs. control) x 2 (pre-post: pre-test vs. post-test) repeated measures ANOVA was carried out on subjects in TUG and FRT performance. Mean FRT results from the pre-test were significantly lower than mean results from post-test. The two main effects were qualified by a significant group x pre-post interaction, F(1,18) = 39.23, P < 0.001, identifying markedly different performance profiles. Mean TUG results from the pre-test were significantly lower than mean results from post-test. The two main effects were qualified by a significant group x pre-post interaction, F(1,18) = 50.74, P < 0.001, again identifying markedly different performance profiles. Globally, the obtained results through our progressive strength-training program showed important improvements in functional task performance and in preventing falls.

The Influence of Aging on Balance Function in Terms of the Foot Electromyographic Reaction Time

“…From this viewpoint, determining the characteristics of the electromyographic reaction time of the foot and examining their time-dependent variation may be important for the understanding of qualitative changes in balance function. Furthermore, as reported in previous studies 5,10,19) , the fact that the influence of aging on balance function involves a decreased muscle contraction velocity due to a decline in muscle strength suggests the possibility of maintaining and improving the balance function of the elderly by strengthening the muscles of the ankle joint. In line with these results, further studies will be conducted to examine the effect of muscle-strengthening approaches on balance function, and to evaluate the changes in central processing under different conditions, such as complicated postural control and various trigger stimuli.…”

Efeitos dos exercícios resistidos sobre o equilíbrio e a funcionalidade de idosos saudáveis: artigo de atualização

“…O TR isolado demonstrou ser relevante para a função de idosos (90% dos estudos) 23,[28][29][30][31][32][34][35][36] , sobretudo por seu decorrente ganho de força e mobilidade. O TR a longo prazo demonstrou ser desnecessário para ganhos funcionais.…”

“…Sob esse ponto de vista, a educação sobre a importância da atividade física é inerente ao envelhecimento saudável. Os TR de baixa 31 e moderada intensidade 29,32,34,35 também beneficiaram o desempenho funcional, especialmente nas idosas, frágeis e sedentários 29,31,35,45 . Isso sugere que a função não está ligada integralmente aos efeitos isolados da força, fato justificado pela observação em alguns casos, de um desempenho funcional satisfatório, mesmo com um ganho de força limitado.…”

Does chair type influence outcome in the timed “up and go” test in older persons?

“…In the modified version (1), the performance is timed with the number of seconds taken to complete the test as the score. The score is viewed as correlating with basic functional capacity, and may be used to follow functional change over time and to evaluate outcome of intervention, such as rehabilitation (1,(3)(4)(5).…”