Biomedical subjects

A Mikesky

Publications and source records attributed to A Mikesky.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1998

Determinants of four functional tasks among older adults: an exploratory regression analysis.

Functional ability declines in later life. The purpose of this project was to determine if strength, postural control, and joint pain predict performance of four functional tasks among older adults. A sample of 28 older adults completed assessments of strength, postural control, joint pain, and four functional tasks. The duration to complete the functional tasks of: 1) getting out of bed, going to a chair, and then returning to bed; 2) crossing a street and getting onto a bus; 3) exiting the passenger side of a car; and 4) climbing a flight of 27 stairs was recorded. Step-wise regression equations indicated that seated row strength and dynamic postural control were significant predictors of all of the tasks and accounted for the largest proportion of the variance in each equation. These results indicate that measures of physical fitness may be more important predictors of functional tasks among older adults than chronological age.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1996

Effect of resistance training on strength, postural control, and gait velocity among older adults.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 14-week resistance training program on the ankle strength, training intensity, postural control, and gait velocity of older adults. Forty-two older adults (mean age = 72), 21 in the resistance and control groups, completed the 14-week project. The resistance training group participated in 14 weeks of resistance training three times per week using elastic bands (Theraband) for resistance. Isokinetic ankle strength, training intensity, postural stability, and gait velocity were measured prior to and following the 14-week intervention. Following the training, the resistance group exhibited improved ankle dorsiflexion, training resistances, and gait velocity, but showed no change in plantar flexion or postural control. The control group also exhibited improvements in dorsiflexion, but these gains were approximately one-half of the gains observed in the resistance training group. Finally, when adjusted for baseline differences, subjects in the resistance training group demonstrated no changes in the dependent measures over the control group.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1993

The effect of a 12-week dynamic resistance strength training program on gait velocity and balance of older adults.

This study tested whether a 12-week dynamic resistance strength training program can change gait velocity and improve measures of balance among adults age 65 and older. Fifty-five community-dwelling adults (mean age = 71.1) were randomized into an exercise (n = 25) or control (n = 30) group. The exercisers were requested to complete three bouts of strength training per week for 12 weeks using elastic tubing. At posttest the exercisers demonstrated slower gait velocity, enhanced balance, and an improved ability to walk backward, although none of these posttest measures was significantly different from the control group.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1986

Exercise induced increases in muscle fiber number.

The effect of weight-lifting, which induced muscular enlargement, on fiber number was tested in the flexor carpi radialis muscle by operantly conditioning 6 cats to flex their right wrist against increasing resistance for an average of 101 weeks. The left was used as a control. At the end of training, the cats were performing "one-arm" lifts with an average of 57% of their body weight. There was an 11% greater muscle weight (P less than 0.01) and 9% (P less than 0.02) more fibers in the exercised muscles from the right limb than in the left. This study using a different method, supports our earlier observations that prolonged weight-lifting exercise significantly increases the total number of muscle fibers.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Developing a strength training program for older adults: planning, programming, and potential outcomes.

Muscle strength is important to older adults in maintaining an independent lifestyle and completing activities of daily living. In this article, the authors discuss changes in muscular functioning that commonly accompany the disuse associated with aging, as well as the impact that strength training can have on the older adult's muscle functioning. The article presents the essential components of developing a strength training program: pretesting, setting individualized goals, designing a strength training program, and establishing methods to evaluate the participants' progress. It also lists the benefits of strengthening particular muscle groups. Strength training programs for older adults should be developed on the basis of individualized expectations and goals, with the ultimate goal of facilitating the older individual's lifestyle and independence. Older adults who have participated in a strength training program have reported the following benefits of participation: improved body image, greater flexibility, increased strength, and increased self-confidence.

Age Factors↗