Abstract
The impact of progressive resistance training on sarcopenia among very old institutionalized adults was investigated. Residents of Nursing Care Facilities were included in a controlled trial of twice weekly resistance and balance exercise program for six months (Age: 85.9 ± 7.5 years, Time in care: 707.1 ± 707.5 days, N = 21 per group). Sarcopenia was measured based on the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria. Of the recruited 42 participants, 35.7% had sarcopenia at baseline, with prevalence increasing in the control group post-intervention (42.9%–52.4%). Following training, the exercise group experienced a significant increase in grip strength when compared to controls (p = .02), and a within-group decrease in body mass index and increase in grip strength (p ≤ .007). Resistance and balance exercise has positive benefits for older adults residing in a nursing care facilities which may transfer to reduce disability and sarcopenia transition, but more work is needed to ensure improved program uptake among residents.
•Resistance exercise improves muscle strength and reduces body fat for nursing home residents.•Resistance exercise can reduce the transition into sarcopenia among nursing home residents.•Resistance exercise as a tool to improve physical capacity among nursing home resident deserves more research attention.