Date of Award

2012

Publication Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

M.H.K.

Department

Kinesiology

Keywords

Health and environmental sciences, Aging, Muscular strength, Vibration exercise, Whole-body vibration

Supervisor

Sean Horton

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

Sarcopenia, the associated decline in muscle strength that occurs during the normal aging process, contributes to seniors' impairment of activities of daily living (ADLs) and overall independence. Previous research suggests resistance (RES) training, and more recently whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise, can help combat sarcopenia. While WBV exercise is now more prevalent in the literature, there is little known about its potential impact on seniors' upper body strength. This study aims to further evaluate the effectiveness of WBV exercise on seniors' lower body strength and explore the potential effects WBV training has on upper body strength. 55 community dwelling participants (33 males and 22 females; age range: 55-90 years; mean age: 73.3 ± 7.9 years) were divided into either a WBV or RES exercise group. Both exercise groups trained twice a week. Participants were assessed at baseline, after 8 sessions, and after 16 sessions. Outcome measures included the chair rise, 8-foot timed up-and-go (TUG), arm curl, tricep extension, and grip strength tests. There was a significant main effect of time found in 4 of the 5 dependent measures: chair rise, TUG, arm curl, and tricep extension tests. Consistent with previous WBV literature, improvements from baseline in both groups suggests WBV exercise is as effective as conventional RES training.

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