Effect of Progressive Resisted Exercise on Strength, Endurance and Balance on Older Adults above 60 Years

Introduction: Older people can experience large improvements in muscle strength, if their muscles are overloaded during training. Progressive resistance exercise (PRE) is system of dynamic resistance training where constant external load is applied to contracting muscle by mechanical means (usually free weight or weight machine) and incrementally increased. The repetition maximum (RM) is used as basis for determining and progressing resistance.

Aim of Study: To study the effect of Progressive Resistance Training on Strength, Endurance and Balance in Older Adults > 60 years of Age.

Methodology: A Clinical trial consisting of 30 persons, as per Inclusion & Exclusion Criteria were recruited from Government spine institute Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad. Persons were divided into two, one group (B) was given PRE for 3days per week and other was control group. A written informed consent of all subjects was taken prior to study. Outcome measures like 1 RM, Performance oriented mobility assessment scale and 6 min walk test were taken at 1st day and after 2 month.

Results: As per paired t test PRE group showed significant improvement in 1 RM, 6MWD but not in POMA score.

Discussion: There is a significant increase(100%) in strength in 1 RM values taken after 2 month training period, even 6 Minute walk test Distance showed improvement depicting carry over effects of improved strength of lower limb muscles due to training in more distance covered at end of training period with little effect on Balance score ie POMA Scale.

Conclusion: Progressive Resisted Exercise are Beneficial adjunct to other exercise interventions in case of the elderly above 60 years.