Acute Resistance Training May Have Lasting Benefit to Middle-Aged Adults

Abstract

Age-related declines in physical function can be mitigated with resistance training (RT), but most adults do not regularly exercise. We aimed to identify the magnitude and duration of benefits after RT in the Stay Strong, Stay Healthy (SSSH) program. A total of 27 adults (Repeaters n = 15; Summer Only n = 12), aged 60.7 ± 4.8 years, completed the same 8 weeks of SSSH in the summer and Repeaters continued in fall and spring months. Independent and paired t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVAs were used to test changes in survey responses and physical performance over 10 months. Both groups were similar at baseline ( p > .07) and improved from pre- to post-summer for health surveys scores, 30 second-sit-to-stand, timed-up-and-go, and sit-n-reach ( p ≤ .02). Additionally, Repeaters (measured data) and Summer Only (2.3% modeled decline) maintained those improvements 10 months later. Participation in 8 weeks of SSSH significantly improved physical strength and function and these improvements may last up to a year.

Comparing the Effects of Multicomponent and Concurrent Exercise Protocols on Muscle Strength in Older Adults

“…As documented in previous studies, the concurrent exercise program, blending resistance and aerobic training, has evidenced favorable impacts on muscle strength [ 11 ]. The notable gains seen in the concurrent group resonate with this existing literature [ 11 , 20 , 21 ]. Even though the improvement of effect sizes were comparatively subdued in the concurrent group versus the multicomponent group, it is crucial to acknowledge that concurrent training also holds the potential for bolstering muscle strength in older adults living in the community.…”

“…They challenge the musculature in dynamic and often unpredictable patterns, necessitating rapid force production and intricate neuromuscular coordination. Such activities engage a broad spectrum of muscle groups, from core stabilizers to peripheral muscles, potentially augmenting strength adaptations [ 18 , 20 ]. Moreover, the balance component, leveraging props like wooden sticks, softballs, and balloons, further emphasized proprioceptive acuity and muscle activation in stabilizing movements.…”

Applying Latent Profile Analysis to Identify Lifestyle Profiles and Their Association with Loneliness and Quality of Life among Community-Dwelling Middle- and Older-Aged Adults in South Korea

“…Regarding the association between lifestyle profiles and quality of life and mental health, our findings are consistent with previous studies that have examined lifestyles of the elderly [ 18 , 33 , 34 ]. In terms of physical activity as one of the lifestyles, much of the literature has illustrated that participating in physical activity regularly and actively is able to increase significantly quality of life and mental health in older adults [ 38 , 39 , 40 ]. In addition, in the present study as well, profile 3, which participated in various physical activities actively, demonstrated a statistically significant higher score for quality of life compared to other groups.…”

“It’s not time for us to sit down yet”: how group exercise programs can motivate physical activity and overcome barriers in inactive older adults

“…To provide the most beneficial results to older adults in the least amount of time, SSSH recently evolved into a progressive eight-week program with the ultimate goal of providing the greatest physical benefit in the shortest amount of time. Details of the current SSSH program’s exercise structure, tempos, and progression pattern have been described elsewhere (Baker et al, 2020 ; Baker, Miller, et al, 2021 ; Baker, Syed Abdul, et al, 2021 ; Ball et al, 2013 ; Syed Abdul et al, 2016 ). Both the SSSH and Walk groups met two times per week for sixty minutes and classes were led by trained instructors.…”