Muscle strength training program in nonagenarians – a randomized controlled trial

• Main Authors: José Maria Cancela Carral, Adriana López Rodríguez, Irimia Mollinedo Cardalda, José Pedro Arieiro Gonçalves Bezerra
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Associação Médica Brasileira
• Series: Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira
• Subjects: Terapia por Exercício; Exercício; Fragilidade; Equilíbrio Postural; Qualidade de Vida; Idoso
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0104-42302019000600851&lng=en&tlng=en

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES: The study aims to improve the functional capacity and quality of life (QOL) of nonagenarian women by implementing an individualized muscle strength training program in a geriatric residential care home. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial METHODS: Twenty-six elderly women were randomized into a control group (CG) and an intervention group (SG). The SG carried out a strength program with TheraBands® for 12 weeks, with two weekly sessions. The assessment tools that we used pre- and post-intervention were the Barthel index of daily living activities, the five times sit-to-stand test (FTSTS) and timed up and go (TUG) test with wiva® sensors. RESULTS: The SG maintained the Barthel index scores for activities of daily living and improved in the FTSTS; the CG showed a significant decrease on both tests. The dynamic balance test showed significant differences between groups for the variables sit to stand, peak angular velocity, anterior-posterior range, turning, stand to sit, total time, and speed. CONCLUSIONS: Individualized muscle strength training programs may help promote healthy lifestyles in such populations by maintaining autonomy, improving function and balance.