The Effect of Upper Body Strength Training on Upper Extremity Function in Healthy Older Adults

The prevention of disability in older adults is an important goal for public health. Improving or eliminating limitations in activities is critical to independence and thus the prevention of disability in the older adult population. Resistance training is a widespread and effective method to improve some aspects of lower extremity function. However, the results of studies that have assessed the effect of resistance training on upper extremity function in healthy older adults have been mixed. The objectives of this thesis are: 1) to examine change in upper extremity strength as quantified by the isometric joint strengths of the elbow and shoulder following 6 wks of upper body resistance training, and 2) to examine change in upper extremity function as quantified by the maximal functional reaching and functional pulling strength following training. Four older adults (2 male and 2 female) completed 6 weeks of high-intensity, progressive resistance training aimed at improving the strength of the arms, chest, upper back, and shoulders. Six older adults (4 male and 2 female) served as members of a control group. The training group significantly improved in isometric shoulder adduction strength (p=.012) and functional pulling strength (p=.011) compared to the control group. Each member of the training group increased in dynamic (1-RM) strength. None of the other measures were significantly different between the groups. The strength training protocol used in this study was well-received, effective, and safe for older adults. The increase in functional pulling strength is a promising result and is relevant to the prevention of disability in older adults. It is evidence that upper body strength training in older adults has the potential to increase upper extremity function.

Grantor dc:publisher

Wake Forest University

Year dc:date.issued

2009

Author dc:creator

• Eggebeen, Joel

• Upper Body Strength Training

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10339/14787

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:wakespace.lib.wfu.edu:10339/14787