Effect of resistance training on exercise intolerance and risk of fall in elderly

Background: In an elderly, muscle strength is a main determinant in the performance of everyday tasks. Lack of muscle strength said to be associated with increased risk of fall in elderly. Objectives: This study was done to evaluate the effect of resistance training on exercise intolerance and risk of fall in elderly using 6 Minute walk distance (6MWD),VO2 MAX, Time up and go(TUG) test, Functional independence measure (FIM) scale,10 Repetition maximum (RM). Methods: Senior citizen clubs across the city were approached for evaluating risk of fall in elderly. Total number of 60 elderly were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly divided into Experimental Group A (n=30, 67.30±5.26) and Control Group B(n=30, 67.96±4.51). Experimental Group was given Resistance Training for major group of muscles of Lower Limb along with ergonomic advice for prevention of fall whereas the Control Group was given ergonomic advice only. All the participants were evaluated pre-post intervention for 10 RM, 6MWD, Predicted VO2 MAX, TUG test, FIM scale. Results: There was significant improvement in 10 RM Hamstring (2.65±0.73), Quadriceps (2.46±0.43), 6MWD (325.17±51.23), Predicted VO2 max (32.73±4.67), TUG (12.36±3.43), FIM (125.77±0.50) of Group A as compared to 10RM Hamstring (1.85±0.54) Quadriceps (2.20±0.50), 6MWD (278.9±37.66), Predicted VO2 max (29.42±4.38), TUG (13.36±3.56), FIM (122.0±2022) of Group B. Conclusion: Resistance training program showed significant improvement in Exercise intolerance and risk of fall in elderly.