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Physical function predicts improvement in quality of life in elderly icelanders after 12 weeks of resistance exercise

  • Physical Function Predicts Improvement in Quality of Life After 12 Weeks of Resistance Exercise
  • Published:
The journal of nutrition, health & aging

Abstract

Background

Little is known about the effects of resistance training on health related quality of life (HRQL) in the elderly.

Aim

The main purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of resistance training on strength, body composition, functional capacity and HRQL in independent living elderly people. We hypothesised that resistance training would improve lean mass, muscle strength, physical function and HRQL.

Methods

Subjects (N = 237, 73.7±5.7yrs, 58.2% female) participated in a 12-week resistance exercise program (3 times/week; 3 sets, 6–8 repetitions at 75–80% of the 1-repetition maximum) designed to increase strength and muscle mass of major muscle groups. Body composition, quadriceps- and grip strength, timed up and go test (TUG), six minute walk for distance (6MW) and HRQL were measured at baseline and endpoint.

Results

Two hundred-and-four participants completed the study. Although the increase in lean mass was small (+0.8 kg, P<0.01), quadriceps strength (+53.5N), grip strength (+3.0lb), TUG (-0.6sec), 6MW (+33.6m) and HRQL (+1.2 t-score) improved significantly (all P<0.01). Changes in 6MW predicted improvement in HRQL after 12 weeks.

Conclusions

Our study shows that a 12-week resistance exercise program significantly improves lean mass, muscle strength, physical function and HRQL in elderly individuals, and that improvements in physical function predict improvements in HRQL. Our study indicates that resistance training should be promoted for the elderly as it has the potential to improve physical performance, thereby prolonging healthy, independent aging.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Unit for Nutrition Research, National University Hospital of Iceland & Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland

    Olof Gudny Geirsdottir, A. Arnarson, A. Ramel & I. Thorsdottir

  2. Department of Physical Therapy, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland

    K. Briem

  3. Administration of Occupational Safety and Health in Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland

    K. Tomasson

  4. Unit of Geriatrics National University Hospital of Iceland & Department of Geriatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland

    P. V. Jonsson

  5. Unit for Nutrition Research, The National University Hospital of Iceland, Eiriksgata 29, IS-101, Reykjavik, Iceland

    Olof Gudny Geirsdottir

Authors
  1. Olof Gudny Geirsdottir
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  2. A. Arnarson
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  3. K. Briem
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  4. A. Ramel
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  6. P. V. Jonsson
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  7. I. Thorsdottir
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Correspondence to Olof Gudny Geirsdottir.

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Geirsdottir, O.G., Arnarson, A., Briem, K. et al. Physical function predicts improvement in quality of life in elderly icelanders after 12 weeks of resistance exercise. J Nutr Health Aging 16, 62–66 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-011-0076-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-011-0076-7

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