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Efficacy of Resistance and Task-Specific Exercise in Older Adults Who Modify Tasks of Everyday Life

¹ Department of Aging and Geriatrics, College of Medicine, Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville.
² Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York.
Departments of ³ Physical Therapy and ⁶ Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York.
⁴ Applied Life Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
⁵ Biomechanics Laboratory, New York Chiropractic College, Seneca Falls.

Address correspondence to Todd Manini, PhD, Department of Aging and Geriatrics, College of Medicine, Institute on Aging, University of Florida, 1329 SW 16th Street, Room 5262, Gainesville, FL 32605. E-mail: tmanini{at}aging.ufl.edu

Background. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of 10 weeks of resistance (RT), functional (FT), or functional plus resistance (FRT) training in older adults who modify tasks of everyday life and are at risk for subsequent disability.

Methods. Thirty-two older adults (75.8 ± 6.7 years) were tested following a control period and training. The primary outcome of the study was the number of task modifications and timed performance on eight tasks of daily life. Secondary outcomes included knee and elbow strength (extension and flexion), body composition, self-reported physical function, single-leg balance time, walking speed, and time to vacuum a carpet. The RT group performed progressive intensity training, and the FT group performed task-specific exercises 2 days per week. The FRT group performed 1 day of each training type.

Results. No changes occurred in the control period. All three training groups reduced the need to modify tasks of everyday life (RT: 21%, FRT: 26%, and FT: 28%) and improved self-rated function and time to vacuum a carpet. Individuals who performed FT either 1 or 2 days per week also reduced their timed performance (RT: 2.5% [p = 0.48], FRT: 18.5%, and FT: 23%). Strength gains were primarily found in groups that performed RT either 1 or 2 days per week (RT and FRT). No significant changes occurred in walking speed, single-leg balance, or body composition.

Conclusion. The benefits of exercise are dependent on tasks performed during training. Exercise recommendations for low-functioning older adults should reflect task-specific exercise to prevent the onset of disability.