A home-based resistance-training program using elastic bands for elderly patients with orthostatic hypotension.
2003
Falls are a common
hazard in the elderly. Orthostatic
hypotension (OH) is prevalent in
older patients and contributes to
the high incidence of falls. Our aim
was to test whether a home-based
resistance-training program
(HBRT) using elastic resistance
bands could safely and effectively
increase muscle strength and functional
ability, and attenuate the orthostatic
fall in blood pressure.
Eight subjects (> 60 yrs) underwent
orthostatic provocations; muscle
strength testing (isometric and dynamic),
and a functional test of gait
and mobility (Timed Up & Go), at
baseline and following 8 weeks of
training. Ten exercises were assigned
and customized to each participant.
At 8 weeks, significant increases
occurred in dynamic
strength in the chest press
(p = 0.017), quadriceps extension
(p = 0.017), and leg press
(p = 0.025); no significant differences
occurred in isometric
strength or in blood pressures.
Functional mobility increased in 7
of 8 subjects. There were no falls
during the investigation period. A HBRT program using
elastic resistance bands effectively
increases dynamic muscle
strength in elderly individuals with
OH. Although no changes occurred
in orthostatic blood pressures,
which could be attributed to the
limited length of the program, this
therapy may be recognized as a
safe method to improve strength,
functional ability, and promote
physical activity – variables that
can reduce the incidence of falls
and enhance the quality of life in
this population.
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