Abstract

This study investigated the impact of a four-week resistance training program on muscular strength and ankle-brachial-index (ABI) in an osteoarthritis geriatric population. A randomized clinical control trial consisting of an intervention group performing resistance and cardio respiratory training while the control group performed cardio respiratory training.Lower extremity muscular strength and ABI were measured in all subjects one week prior to and following the training period. The intervention group participated in resistance-training three days per week. Both groups participated in twenty minutes of cardiovascular activity two days per week during the four-week study. Fifteen subjects, 14 females and one male, were randomly assigned to an intervention group (6 females, 1 male, age=67.5±5.1yrs, height=164.7±5.9cm, mass=89.5±19.3kg) or control group (6 females, 0 male, age=72.1±9.3yrs.

 

 Height=164.7±5.4cm, mass=81.6±23.4kg). No differences were observed between groups or across time for muscular strength variables and ABI. Trends towards significant correlation were observed with changes in hip abductor strength and ABI (p=0.06), knee extensor strength and ABI (p=0.08). The current study suggests that a four-week resistance training program for the lower-body of osteoarthritis older adults does not result in significant improvements in muscular strength and ABI. However, there is a trend improving hip abductor strength and ABI alterations.

Keywords

Rehabilitation, Peripheral vascular disease, Osteoarthritis, Muscular strength, Ankle-brachial-index, Hip abductor strength, Muscular strength, Chronic neurological disorders, Hip abduction, Esting procedures,Statistical analysis, Descriptive characteristics, Measurements.