The effects of manual resistance training on improving muscle strength of the lower extremities of the community dwelling elderly -a clinical intervention study with a control group-

Abstract

[Purpose] This study focused on the effects of Manual Resistance Training (MRT) performed by elderly people for their lower extremities. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 53 elderly persons. The isometric strength of the right knee-extensor of the subjects in the intervention group was assessed after MRT once a week for 12 weeks followed by MRT, twice a week for 12 more weeks. Subjects in the control group only received the muscle strength measurement and did not perform MRT. [Results] From the baseline, the muscle strength of the intervention group significantly increased by 13.2% after 12 weeks, and 29% after 24 weeks. A significant difference was observed between the muscle strength of the intervention group and that of the control group. Those with greater muscle strength experienced relatively low muscle strength augmentation, compared with those with less muscle strength. [Conclusion]MRT resulted in improvements in muscle strength, similar to the results reported for a prior intervention with a resistance training method. The intensity of the MRT was inferred to be more than 70% of 1-repetition maximum. MRT may have less impact if it is performed by people with relatively high muscle strength.