Abstract
Background
Muscular strength is associated with functional ability in elderly, and older adults are recommended to perform muscle-strengthening exercise. Understanding how improved muscle strength and -mass influence general and specific domains of quality of life is important when planning health promotion efforts targeting older adults. The aims of the present study were to describe changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in older men participating in 12 weeks of systematic strength training, and to investigate whether improvements in muscle strength and muscle mass are associated with enhancements in HRQOL.
Methods
We recruited 49 men aged 60–81 years to participate in an intervention study with pre-post assessment. The participants completed a 12-week strength training program consisting of three sessions per week. Tests and measurements aimed at assessing change in HRQOL, and changes in physical performance (maximal strength) and physiological characteristics. HRQOL was measured using the 12-item short-form survey (SF-12). Muscle mass was assessed based on changes in lean mass (leg, trunk, arm, and total), and strength was measured as one-repetition maximum in leg extension, leg press, and biceps curl.
Results
Two of the eight HRQOL SF-12 scores, role physical and general health, and the physical component summary scores, increased significantly during the intervention period. Small significant positive correlations were identified between improvements in muscle strength, and better physical and social function. Moreover, a significant increase in total muscle mass was seen during the intervention period.
Conclusions
The positive, findings from this study would suggest that systematic strength training seems to be a beneficial intervention to improve HRQOL, muscle strength and muscle mass in older men.
- Kristin HaraldstadEmail authorView ORCID ID profile,
- Gudrun Rohde,
- Tonje Holte Stea,
- Hilde Lohne-Seiler,
- Ken Hetlelid^,
- Gøran Paulsen and
- Sveinung Berntsen
European Review of Aging and Physical Activity201714:8
https://doi.org/10.1186/s11556-017-0177-3
© The Author(s) 2017
Received: 15 November 2016
Accepted: 16 May 2017
Published: 30 May 2017
https://eurapa.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s11556-017-0177-3
