Resistance Training as a Tool for Preventing and Treating Musculoskeletal Disorders

Abstract

The aging process is characterized by several physiological, morphological, and psychological alterations that result in a decreased functional and health status throughout the life span. Among these alterations, the loss of muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia) is receiving increased attention because of its association with innumerous age-related disorders, including (but not limited to) osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, low back pain, risk of fall, and disability. Regular participation in resistance training programs can minimize the musculoskeletal alterations that occur during aging, and may contribute to the health and well-being of the older population. Compelling evidence suggest that regular practice of resistance exercise may prevent and control the development of several musculoskeletal chronic diseases. Moreover, resistance training may also improve physical fitness, function, and independence in older people with musculoskeletal disorders, which may result in improved quality of the years lived. In summary, regular participation in resistance training programs plays an important role in aging and may be a preventive and therapeutic tool for several musculoskeletal disorders.

Superior Effects of Eccentric to Concentric Knee Extensor Resistance Training on Physical Fitness, Insulin Sensitivity and Lipid Profiles of Elderly Men

“…Thus, it can be stated that eccentric training of the knee extensors is very cost-effective. It has been shown by previous studies that conventional resistance training is beneficial for elderly population to minimize and prevent sarcopenia that could lead to chronic diseases (Booth et al, 2012; Pedersen and Saltin, 2015; Ciolac and Rodrigues-da-Silva, 2016). It is well documented that exercise is medicine and many chronic diseases can be prevented and treated by exercises (Pedersen and Saltin, 2015).…”

“…One negative aspect of performing eccentric contractions is potential muscle damage characterized by delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and a prolonged loss of muscle function (Clarkson et al, 1992; Howatson and van Someren, 2008; Gómez-Cabello et al, 2012; Hody et al, 2013; Jamurtas et al, 2013). Greater muscle damage is induced when eccentric contractions are performed without prior experience or with a long interval from a previous exposure to similar eccentric contractions (Howatson and van Someren, 2008; Hody et al, 2013; Hyldahl and Hubal, 2014; Ciolac and Rodrigues-da-Silva, 2016). However, it has been shown that preconditioning exercise consisting of low-intensity eccentric contractions that do not induce any symptoms of muscle damage, is effective for attenuating severe muscle damage potentially induced by maximal eccentric exercise (Chen et al, 2012, 2013).…”

Effects of Motor Learning on Clinical Isokinetic Test Performance in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients

“…We hypothesized that, because of the limited joint pain-related muscular performance commonly found in knee OA patients 7, 16, the use of two isokinetic assessments with a short period of recovery between tests (2 min) would not have a motor learning effect in the present study. However, the increased knee extension and flexion TQ PEAK , TQ PEAK /BW, and total work, as well as the lower knee extension and flexion CV observed in Test 2, suggest there was a motor learning effect during the second isokinetic assessment, as observed in healthy postmenopausal women 9.…”

“…Muscle strength plays an important protective role in the progression of knee OA 5-7, and it is inversely associated with physical function in this population 2, 3, 8. Therefore, evaluation of the muscular performance may have important implications to counteract the effects of its reduction on knee OA pathophysiology 2, 3, 7.…”

“…Because joint pain may limit muscle performance in knee OA patients 7, 16, the use of two isokinetic assessments with a short period of recovery between tests may not reduce the motor learning effect, as observed in healthy postmenopausal women 9. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a familiarization test session, which was performed before the main assessment, on knee isokinetic performance in middle-aged and older patients with knee OA.…”