Strength-Training Adherence in Older Adults

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Recent survey findings reveal that older adults, about 65 years and above, are the fastest-growing demographic segment. Researchers have projected that such trends could persist for the next two to three decades. This aspect raises significant health concerns because of the association between aging and deteriorating functions of the cardiovascular, muscular, and respiratory functions. Scientists have shown that the skeletal muscles reach their optimal state of growth and start declining when individuals hit their 40s. Individuals encounter decreasing muscle mass and the ability of generating force, which reduces the rate of physical activity and engagement in daily activities. By the age of 70, many individuals would have lost about 30 percent of their cross-sectional muscle area and reduced the ability to participate in regular or leisurely activities. This aspect results in deteriorating health outcomes and reduced quality of life. This study compared the effectiveness of a strength-training program, and a learning intervention regarding resistant training knowledge, functionality among the elderly, adherence, and psychological parameters (Papadopoulos & Jager, 2016).

This study recruited 32 participants from different locations that were functionally and cognitive autonomous. The authors used a quasi-experimental approach where they placed participants into three groups according to their area. The reference group used in the study comprised of individuals that were leading independent lives and visiting an adult activity facility. Participants from assisted living facilities acted as the strength-training-only group (ST), while the third group of individuals from a living facility received both strength training and education interventions (EST). The study occurred over eight weeks, and participants were requested to maintain their routine and daily activities. The groups that participated in a resistance training program used elastic resistance bands and were trained on the proper ways to conduct such exercises.

Participants trained using light to moderate levels of effort. Researchers used a training program comprising of six tasks for the lower body and five activities for the upper body that would be performed twice every week. The reference group was used in a non-traditional sense to provide standards for participants living in assisted care facilities. The EST group also received an educational program weekly before their supervised exercise session. The learning program began during their third and continued to the eighth week. The assessment for all groups was conducted at baseline after completing the study, and similar instruments were used. The researchers assessed the participants’ knowledge regarding basic training principles as well as recommendations and benefits for exercises using questionnaires. They also evaluated the functional abilities of participants using an Up and Go test. The findings revealed that educational intervention strengthened the knowledge, functions, and attendance rate of participants.

In conclusion, the research revealed increased participation rates among individuals in the resistance training and education group. This cohort also depicted significantly higher levels of strength training knowledge than other groups at the end of the study. The findings also revealed significant improvements in functional abilities with mild resistance training that used elastic bands and chair exercises.

The findings of this study have potential implications for the physical therapy of older adults. The research provides strategic information that care providers could use to design effective therapy programs to promote practical strength training. These approaches would help the elderly and aging populations to overcome the challenges of reduced muscular strength and enable them to participate actively in various daily and recreational activities.please compare the old essay with the two articles links provided in this description into a new essay of 4 pages.

Article 1:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3606891/
Article 2:https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jar/2018/7218102/