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Low-volume resistance training improves the functional capacity of older individuals with Parkinson's disease
Leon Cp Leal1,2, Odilon Abrahin2, Rejane P Rodrigues2
1Department of Physical Education, Exercise Biochemistry Laboratory, Pará State University, Belém, Brazil.
Aim:
To evaluate the effects of low-volume resistance training on the physical and functional capacity of older patients with Parkinson's disease.
Methods:
A total of 54 patients (aged ≥60 years) were randomly divided into two groups: (i) a control group comprising 13 men and 14 women; and (ii) a resistance training group with 14 men and 13 women. The resistance training group, in addition to maintaining their pharmacological treatments, carried out 6 months of resistance training twice a week, whereas the control group maintained their pharmacological treatments. Handgrip strength, flexibility, aerobic endurance, gait speed and balance were assessed in both groups.
Results:
After 6 months, patient functionality in the control group was reduced, whereas patients who carried out low training volumes showed significantly improved flexibility (Pre × Post: P = 0.008), aerobic resistance (Pre × Post: P = 0.006), gait speed (Pre × Post: P = 0.006) and balance (Pre × Post: P = 0.043). Significant improvement (P = 0.042) was also observed in right handgrip strength in the resistance training group.
Conclusions:
The results of the present study showed that low-volume resistance training improves the physical capacity of older people with Parkinson's disease. Therefore, we suggest that resistance training be a central component in exercise programs for patients with Parkinson's disease. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 635-640.
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