Effects of three different low-intensity exercise interventions on physical performance, muscle CSA and activities of daily living: a randomized controlled trial

V Benavent-Caballer; P Rosado-Calatayud; E Segura-Ortí; J J Amer-Cuenca; J F Lisón

doi:10.1016/j.exger.2014.08.004

Effects of three different low-intensity exercise interventions on physical performance, muscle CSA and activities of daily living: a randomized controlled trial

Exp Gerontol. 2014 Oct:58:159-65. doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2014.08.004. Epub 2014 Aug 15.

Authors

V Benavent-Caballer¹, P Rosado-Calatayud², E Segura-Ortí², J J Amer-Cuenca², J F Lisón²

Affiliations

¹ University Cardenal Herrera-CEU, Department of Physiotherapy, Avda. Seminari s/n., 46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain. Electronic address: vicente.benavent@uch.ceu.es.
² University Cardenal Herrera-CEU, Department of Physiotherapy, Avda. Seminari s/n., 46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain.

PMID: 25131453
DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2014.08.004

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the short-term effects of three different resistance training programs, conducted at low intensity, on physical performance, muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and the capacity to perform daily tasks in older adults living in a geriatric nursing home.

Design: Randomized controlled trial, with a 4-month intervention period.

Setting: A geriatric nursing home in Valencia, Spain.

Participants: Eighty-nine adults aged 75 to 96 who were independent in their daily activities.

Intervention: After a baseline assessment, the participants were randomly assigned to the control group or one of the three intervention groups: volitional contraction (VC; n=22), neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES; n=22), or neuromuscular electrical stimulation superimposed onto voluntary contractions (NMES+; n=22). The intervention focused on knee extension exercises and its intensity was set at 40% of one-repetition maximum (1RM).

Measurements: The primary outcome measure was mobility. Secondary outcomes were rectus femoris CSA, balance, aerobic endurance, upper-body strength and the capacity to perform daily tasks. All data were collected at baseline and after the 4-month intervention period.

Results: The two-way ANOVA analysis showed a significant group×time interaction effect for the mobility (P=.022), rectus femoris CSA (P=.001), and the capacity to perform daily tasks (P=.05). The within-group analysis found a more prominent effect in the NMES+ group. Significant improvements were seen in rectus femoris CSA and the capacity to perform daily tasks in all intervention groups. Mobility only improved in the NMES+ group (P=.026).

Conclusion: From a short-term perspective, NMES+ exercise training, performed at low intensity, can improve physical performance, muscle CSA, and the capacity to perform daily activities, and to partially mitigate age-related consequences in older adults.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01086592.

Keywords: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation; Older adults; Physical performance; Randomized controlled trial; Resistance exercise.

Publication types

Comparative Study
Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

Activities of Daily Living*
Age Factors
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Analysis of Variance
Electric Stimulation
Female
Geriatric Assessment
Homes for the Aged
Humans
Male
Muscle Contraction*
Muscle Strength*
Nursing Homes
Organ Size
Quadriceps Muscle / growth & development
Quadriceps Muscle / physiology*
Resistance Training / methods*
Spain
Time Factors
Treatment Outcome

Associated data

ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT01086592