Journal of Aging and Physical Activity · 2002 · 33 citations · 0 references
MedicineGeriatric MedicineKinesiologyExercise PhysiologyPhysical ActivityPhysical TherapyAge-related Muscle LossExercise InterventionsMuscle StrengtheningPhysical FitnessResistance TrainingStrength TrainingAge-related Muscle Strength DeclineAge-related Strength LossControl Group DesignKnee Extension StrengthMatched Control GroupMuscle Strength DeclineResistance Training AdaptationsStrength Training Adaptation
Resistance training (RT) increases strength in older adults, but there have been few studies of long-term RT or detraining in older adults. Postmenopausal participants (51–71 years of age) were randomized to RT or a control group for Year 1. For Year 2, participants chose whether to resistance train or not. Three groups emerged: train/train ( n = 8: 60 ± 4 years), train/no train ( n = 11: 62 ± 3 years), or controls ( n = 17; 58 ± 6 years). Both training groups increased strength ( p < .05) in Year 1. In Year 2, train/train maintained strength, whereas train/no train lost strength for knee extension ( p < .001) but not for arm pulldown. Controls did not change. Reported physical activity levels were significantly increased in trainers in Year 1 and remained high regardless of RT in Year 2 (p < .05). Therefore, sustained changes in strength and physical activity behavior might be possible even if RT is discontinued.