Effects of training with an increase in training bar diameter on strength and functional endurance within older adults

It is well established that there is an underlying process of muscular atrophy that occurs throughout the aging process. This issue of muscle atrophy more specifically known as sarcopenia, has been (and will continue to be) a great burden on both health care and quality of life. Current research has shown the importance of resistance training (RT) within all age groups, regardless of level of functionality or lifestyle. It was hypothesized that aging adults (≥50 years of age) who completed a 6-week RT program using a thick training bar attachment would increase upper limb muscle strength and endurance (primary outcome measure: handgrip strength; secondary outcome measures: handgrip endurance, upper body strength) to a greater extent than individuals who completed a program without the attachment. To the author’s knowledge there is no current research outlining any similar interventions involving aging adults and strength adaptations of the upper extremities of this nature. Twenty-nine participants completed the study [experimental group: n = 15 (7 F, 8 M); control group: n = 14 (8 F, 6 M)]. No significant baseline differences between the groups were noted for sex (p = .573), age (p = .685), BMI (p = .224), or hand size (p = .713). When the data for both groups was combined, there were significant improvements over time for most strength and endurance outcomes [grip strength (p = .018), static grip endurance (p = .010), 1 RM lat pull down (p < .001), 1 RM biceps curl (p < .001), 1 RM triceps extension (p < .001)]. However, there were no significant differences between the groups post-intervention. Future research is warranted, with careful consideration towards factors such as sleep schedule, macronutrient intake and supplementation use, which were not assessed within the study. Although there were non-significant differences between the groups post-intervention, there were positive results across both training groups leading to the conclusion that positive physiological results can be attained within this age demographic while implementing effective training strategies, with or without the use of the training bar attachment.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MSc)

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Kinesiology and Health Studies

Grantor dc:publisher

Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina

Year dc:date.issued

2020

Author dc:creator

• Markewich, Michael

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Bruno, Paul

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Candow, Dr. Darren
• Butcher, Dr. Scotty

Language dc:language.iso

en

DOI

https://doi.org/10.82465/5139

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:uregina.scholaris.ca:10294/9346