@article{ref1,
title="Long-term strength and balance training in prevention of decline in muscle strength and mobility in older adults",
journal="Aging clinical and experimental research",
year="2019",
author="Aartolahti, Eeva and Lönnroos, Eija and Hartikainen, Sirpa and Häkkinen, Arja",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1594-0667",
doi="10.1007/s40520-019-01155-0",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40520-019-01155-0"
}