A Six Week Performance Based Concentric Only Resistance Training Protocol Increases Strength In Older Adults

Background and PurposeResistance training has been widely studied in the older adult population as it relates to strength and function, however, there is limited research on the use of concentric resistance-only training using hydraulic exercise equipment. This study aimed to determine the effects of a 6 week performance-based concentric only resistance training protocol on isometric muscle strength, balance, fall risk, and perceived lower extremity function in older adults. MethodsThirteen older adults (74.1{+/-}7.1 years, 6 male, 7 female) participated in this study. The intervention consisted of a concentric resistance-only circuit training program using hydraulic exercise machines equipped with Gym Tonic software twice per week for 6 weeks. Movements included knee flexion/extension, trunk flexion/extension, hip abduction/adduction, chest press/row, and leg press/squat. The software automatically adjusted the resistance based on user performance. Outcome measures included isometric muscle strength, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS). Isometric muscle strength data were analyzed using paired t-tests and functional outcome measures were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Bonferroni correction was used to set a new alpha level of 0.0038. ResultsSignificant increases in isometric muscle strength were observed for knee flexion (p=0.002), knee extension (p=0.001), chest press (p=0.001), and leg press (p<0.001). No statistically significant differences (p>0.0038) or clinically (Minimal Detectable Change (MDC), Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID)) significant differences were observed for BBS, TUG, and LEFS. DiscussionA 6-week intervention of concentric resistance only training using hydraulic resistance training equipment significantly improved isometric muscle strength of knee flexion, knee extension, chest press, and leg press in older adults. While no significant differences were found for BBS, LEFS, and TUG scores, potentially due to the ceiling effect of participant baseline scores and short duration of intervention, positive trends were noted. ConclusionPhysical Therapists should consider using concentric only resistance training on hydraulic equipment to safely improve motor performance in older adults.