Upper extremity muscle volumes and functional strength after resistance training in older adults

Melissa Daly, Meghan E. Vidt, Joel D. Eggebeen, W. Greg Simpson, Michael E. Miller, Anthony P. Marsh, Katherine R. Saul

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

Aging leads to a decline in strength and an associated loss of independence. The authors examined changes in muscle volume, maximum isometric joint moment, functional strength, and 1-repetition maximum (1RM) after resistance training (RT) in the upper extremity of older adults. They evaluated isometric joint moment and muscle volume as predictors of functional strength. Sixteen healthy older adults (average age 75 ± 4.3 yr) were randomized to a 6-wk upper extremity RT program or control group. The RT group increased 1RM significantly (p <.01 for all exercises). Compared with controls, randomization to RT led to greater functional pulling strength (p =.003), isometric shoulder-adduction moment (p =.041), elbow-flexor volume (p =.017), and shoulder-adductor volume (p =.009). Shoulder-muscle volumes and isometric moments were good predictors of functional strength. The authors conclude that shoulder strength is an important factor for performing functional reaching and pulling tasks and a key target for upper extremity RT interventions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)186-207
Number of pages22
JournalJournal of Aging and Physical Activity
Volume21
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Aging
  • Biomechanics
  • Isometric joint moment
  • Reaching

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation
  • Gerontology
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Upper extremity muscle volumes and functional strength after resistance training in older adults'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this