A Structured Resistive Training Program Improves Muscle Strength and Power in Elderly Persons with Dementia

The primary aim of this study was to determine if resistive training would increase muscle strength and power in cognitively impaired elderly people. The secondary aim was to assess whether resistive training influenced physical functional abilities. Eight men and women, age range 63-88 years, with a diagnosis of dementia (Mini Mental Status Exam scores that ranged from 13-20), attended and successfully and safely completed a group resistive training program held twice weekly for 12 weeks. In post- versus pre-training comparisons, muscle strength and power were increased for the hip abductor/adductor (p <.01), shoulder press (p <.05), leg extension/curl (p <.01) and chest/back (p <.01) exercises. However, there were no measurable improvements of functional abilities, including balance, the timed chair stand, gait speed or the timed stair climb. This study demonstrates that it is feasible to engage elderly persons with dementia in a structured resistive training program with measurable improvements after 12 weeks in muscle strength and power but not functional abilities. © 2003 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Duke Scholars

Author William Joseph Evans Medicine, Geriatrics