A LOW-LEVEL STRENGTH TRAINING EXERCISE PROGRAM FOR FRAIL ELDERLY ADULTS LIVING IN AN EXTENDED ATTENTION FACILITY

Little is known about low-level, mildly progressive, strength training programs for frail elderly adults who live in extended attention hous ing. To study the effects of a low-level strength training program, a group of 12 frail elderly adults, aged 70 to 93 years, residing in an extended attention facility, participated in a strength training exerc ise program using ankle and wrist weights. Baseline measurements of el bow and knee flexor and extensor muscle strength were taken with a han dheld dynamometer prior to initiation of the strength training program , and every three weeks during the 12-week period of exercise with wei ghts. Muscle strength of elbow and knee flexors improved significantly by the end of the 12-week period (p<0.05). Elbow and knee extensors d id not show significant increases in muscle strength, but were maintai ned. It is concluded that muscle strength can be maintained or improve d in adults over 70 who live in an extended attention facility using a low-level, mildly progressive, resistive exercise program. The progra m is safe, inexpensive, practical and can be used in clinical as well as community settings.