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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
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Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
Longitudinal changes in selected physical capabilities: muscle strength, flexibility and body size
1School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, UK. Joan.Bassey@nottingham.ac.uk
Age and Ageing
|July 17, 1999
Summary
Older adults experience significant muscle strength loss, linked to reduced physical activity and increased depression. Maintaining strength requires encouraging activity and managing mental health.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Human Physiology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Aging is associated with declines in physical function, including muscle strength and range of motion.
- Understanding the factors contributing to these declines is crucial for maintaining health and independence in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To longitudinally assess changes in handgrip strength, shoulder range of movement, body weight, and skeletal size in older adults.
- To investigate the associations between changes in muscle strength and physical activity levels, as well as health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal analysis of 350 participants aged 65 and over, with measurements at baseline, 4 years, and 8 years.
- Assessment of maximal voluntary handgrip strength, shoulder range of movement, body weight, and skeletal size.
- Exploration of correlations between strength changes and self-reported physical activity, anxiety, and depression symptoms.
Main Results:
- Over 8 years, participants showed a slight but significant loss in body weight and significant loss in muscle strength (approx. 2% per year).
- Shoulder range of movement showed negligible loss, while skeletal size remained stable.
- Loss of handgrip strength was faster in older age groups and women, and was independently associated with reduced habitual muscle use, increased anxiety, and depression symptoms, not solely worsening health.
Conclusions:
- Significant independent associations exist between age-related muscle strength loss and declines in physical activity and increased depression.
- These findings suggest a causal link, highlighting the importance of promoting physical activity and managing depression to preserve strength and function in old age.
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