<p>Inertial Training Improves Strength, Balance, and Gait Speed in Elderly Nursing Home Residents</p>

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of inertial training on upper and lower extremity strength in the elderly. The study also assessed the influence of inertial training on their independence, balance, and speed and quality of gait. Methods: Twenty physically inactive older residents of a nursing home (6 women and 14 men; age, 76.7 ± 8.77 years) were randomized to a training (T; n = 10) or control group (C; n = 10). The T group performed inertial training twice a week for 6 weeks using a Cyklotren inertial device. Each training session included 12 exercise sets involving the elbow and knee flexor and extensor muscles (3 sets per single muscle group). The training loads were 10 and 20 kg for the upper and lower extremities, respectively. Before and after training, the maximum force of trained muscles was evaluated under training conditions. Functional tests were also completed. Results: Participants from the T group had significantly increased (37.1-69.1%) elbow and knee flexor and extensor muscle strength. Improvement in upper and lower limb strength in non-specific conditions was also noted; 23.3% and 40.6%, respectively. Functional abilities improved significantly in the T group (Tinetti balance test: 29%, Tinetti gait tests: 18.6%, and gait speed (8-Foot Up-and-Go): 12.8%), while remaining unchanged in C. Conclusion: We strongly recommend a daily routine of inertial training for older adults. Benefits from inertial training can reduce the risk of falls and increase the safety and independence of the elderly.

Transfer of Post-Inertial Training Gains to Functional Fitness of Physically Active Older Women

“…However, in that study, the measurements were done in isokinetic conditions, and as the authors note, under specific inertial testing conditions, improvements would be greater. It can be confirmed by Naczk et al (2020) study, which observed increase of elbow and knee muscles force from 37.1% to 69.1%, in older people. In another study concerning inertial training in elderly women (12 weeks on YoYo ergometers), an increase of 28% in knee extensor power was noted noted (Onambele et al, 2008).…”

“…Inertial training induces significant improvements in elbow, shoulder, and knee muscle strength and power in young and middle-aged people (Illera-Domínguez et al, 2018, Naczk et al, 2014, 2016a, 2016bNunez et al, 2018, Romero-Rodriguez et al, 2011Tesch et al, 2004). Such training also elicits significant increases in strength and power of shoulder joint muscles and power of knee extensors in older women (Brzenczek-Owczarzak et al, 2013;Onambele et al, 2008), and maximal force of elbow and knee muscles in elderly nursing home residents (Naczk et al, 2020).…”

Lactobacillus plantarum TWK10 Improves Muscle Mass and Functional Performance in Frail Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

“…Many studies have shown that moderate exercise, training, or nutritional supplements could effectively prevent and reduce the risk of sarcopenia or physical frailty in the elderly [ 8 ]. Among them, exercise training mainly focuses on upper limb or lower limb muscle training that is suitable for promotion with the elderly [ 10 , 11 ]. For the elderly to maintain muscle mass or strength, nutritional supplements are often recommended to promote muscle synthesis and delay muscle loss, such as amino acids with a higher content of protein, vitamin D, creatine, or testosterone [ 12 ].…”

Gait Ability and Muscle Strength in Institutionalized Older Persons with and without Cognitive Decline and Association with Falls

“…Despite the recommendations that older adults should perform resistance exercises involving the major muscle groups at least twice a week, because strength training improves quality of life and prevents falls [ 13 ], reviewing the literature indicates that there are not many studies associating muscle strength with fall occurrence in nursing homes. A study published in 1994 showed that the relationship between muscle weakness and falls was probably modified by multiple characteristics of individuals, their cultures, and their environments [ 14 ].…”

“…A study published in 1994 showed that the relationship between muscle weakness and falls was probably modified by multiple characteristics of individuals, their cultures, and their environments [ 14 ]. A more recent study that aimed to evaluate the impact of inertial training on upper and lower extremity strength in older persons [ 13 ] concluded that the training group showed statistically significant percentage changes (from 37.1% to 69.1%) in pre- and post-training maximal force for all trained muscles, but did not associate muscle strength with fall risk and occurrence [ 13 ].…”