Devin Pack |
SCHOOL: Alcorn State University
MAJOR: Physical Therapy MENTOR: Dr. Stephen Kinzey EXPECTED GRADUATION DATE: May 2001
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ABSTRACT
The Effects of Resistance Exercise on Posture in the Elderly
| For reasons unknown, postural control decreases with age. Many elderly people are engaging in resistance exercise to slow, halt, or reverse the effects of aging in postural control. This research investigated the acute effects of a single bout of lower body resistance exercise on postural control in the elderly. A force-plate was used to measure the center-of-pressure length and sway velocity for each of the subjects. Fifteen (15) subjects participated in this investigation. Each subject performed three sets of ten to twelve repetitions for each of the six lower extremity resistance exercises until fatigued, with fatigue being defined as the point where the exercise could no longer be performed with its original or proper form in which it was designed. Each subject received pre and post baseline measurements in both the orientation and treatment sessions with each measurement and session being independent variables. The dependent variables were the measured sway velocity and center-of-pressure length. No differences were found between or among the dependent variables. Immediately following a single bout of lower body resistance exercise, the elderly subjects did not experience an increase in sway velocity or a decrease in neuromotor postural control. During the acute phase, the subjects did not appear less stable. Although aging has already shown negative effects on postural control, the data provided in this investigation bestowed evidence that the acute response to resistance exercises does not further compromise overall stability in the elderly. There are no changes that occurred due to the effects of the resistance exercises. |