Effects of Elastic Resistance Training on Functional Performance and Myokines in Older Women-A Randomized Controlled...

To investigate the short- and long-term effects of elastic resistance training (ERT) on physical performance, inflammatory markers, and myokines in older women living in a nursing home.

A randomized controlled trial, with 12 weeks of ERT intervention.

Nursing home. Twenty female nursing home residents (mean age = 84 ± 8 years) were randomized into 2 groups: the training group (n = 11), and the control group (n = 9).

Muscle mass was estimated with bioelectrical impedance, and the functional test Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) was performed, whereas handgrip strength and plasma concentration of myokines and inflammatory markers were measured before and after the intervention period. Additional blood samples were also taken after the fourth ERT session. A mixed model (group × time) analysis of variance was applied to determine the effect on primary and secondary outcomes.

After 1 exercise session, the training group showed a significant increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (P = .04) and a decrease in interleukin (IL)-8 (P = .01) plasma concentration. After 12 weeks of intervention, the results showed a significant group × time effects for the SPPB total score (P < .01), as well as gait speed (P = .04), chair rise (P < .01), and BDNF concentration (P = .02). However, there were no significant interactions for grip strength, IL-15, IL-8, resistin, glucose, and C-reactive protein (P ≥ .06).

The present study emphasizes the clinical impact of moderate-intensity ERT on mobility and functional performance in older women. The results indicate that an increase in exercise-induced peripheral BDNF may have a protective role in the preservation of muscular function in older women. Incorporating ERT into nursing homes could be a feasible preventive strategy to counteract functional deterioration.