Graduate Research Papers
Review of the Literature on the Effects of Strength Training on the Health Status of Senior Citizens
Availability
Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Abstract
Literature has shown that aerobic exercise can improve a senior citizen's health status and the associated quality of life. As of late, the question of whether strength training is also an important component of improvement in elderly living has surfaced. According to Dinsmoor, (1993 ), aerobic exercise improves cardiovascular fitness and boosts the body's ability to burn oxygen, but has little effect on strength and muscle mass. While aerobic exercise is associated with the improvement of cardiovascular fitness, the question remains as to whether additional benefits could be acquired through strength training. Thus, a review of literature was completed due to a genuine interest in physical fitness and a love for senior citizens.
This review of literature investigates literature on the relationship between strength training and the health status and/or quality of life enjoyed by senior citizens. Conflicting notions of the benefit of strength training for senior citizens provided the impetus for a closer look at current research in order to gain clear insight into the positive or negative effects of strength training for the elderly.
There are many myths surrounding the concepts of exercise and strength training. There is the myth that strenuous exercise and strength training are bad for the heart. Another myth is that improvements in one's health status are not possible after a certain age. These myths may prevent the elderly from even participating in an appropriate exercise program.
It is known that there is a converse relationship between physical activity and health benefits, whether the physical activity involves aerobic exercise or strength training. The advantages of strength training affect both physical and psychological health. The improvements to an individual's physical health are multifaceted. These benefits affect multiple systems within the human body, including the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system and the endocrinological system increasing longevity.
Current research clearly indicates that there is a positive correlation between strength training and improved quality of elderly life. Recent studies indicate that having weak arms and legs make it harder for older people to walk, climb stairs, dress, rise from a chair, or get in and out of the bathtub, which interfere with independent living. The American College of Sports Medicine, the American Heart Association, and the 1996 Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health have all recognized strength training as an important component of health (as cited in Brown, 1997). Strength training. in fact, can increase the muscle mass of older people and improve the physical activities necessary for independent living.
A review of the literature also supports that psychological benefits are gleaned from strength training. Improved psychological function aids in attaining better physical health in the elderly. This aspect attained from strength training has been limited in early research, but has become a focus in recent studies. The favorable psychological changes included improvements in positive and negative moods, trait anxiety, and perceived confidence in physical abilities in the elderly.
It has been established that there are improvements to both physical and psychological health associated with strength training. Such benefits are not limited to young or middle-aged adults but can be seen to positively affect senior citizens as well. Due to people enjoying greater longevity, looking at alternative ways of improving physical health in the elderly is increasingly important. The following review of literature is intended to outline the positive effects strength training has on the health of the elderly and the associated quality of life.
Year of Submission
2005
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services
First Advisor
Thomas Davis
Date Original
2005
Object Description
1 PDF file (36 pages)
Copyright
©2005 Lou Ann Wikan
Language
en
Recommended Citation
Wikan, Lou Ann, "Review of the Literature on the Effects of Strength Training on the Health Status of Senior Citizens" (2005). Graduate Research Papers. 4423.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/grp/4423
Comments
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