Strength training effect in young and aged women.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Exercise Physiology
• Musculoskeletal Health

Background:

• Aging is associated with muscle mass and strength decline.
• Isometric training is a method to improve muscle strength.
• The abductor digiti minimi muscle plays a role in hand function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of isometric strength training on the abductor digiti minimi muscles in young and aged women.
• To determine if age influences the adaptive response to isometric training.

Main Methods:

• Ten young women (mean age 22.6) and ten older women (mean age 69.2) participated.
• Subjects performed 20 maximal isometric contractions of the left abductor digiti minimi, 3x/week for 6 weeks.
• Strength was measured using a strain gauge pre-training and weekly for six weeks.

Main Results:

• Both young and aged women showed statistically significant increases in muscle strength (p < 0.0001).
• No significant differences in strength gains were observed between the young and aged groups at any measurement point.
• Initial strength levels were also comparable between the two age groups.

Conclusions:

• Isometric strength training is effective in improving abductor digiti minimi muscle strength in both young and aged women.
• Age does not appear to be a limiting factor for strength gains in this specific muscle group.
• The null hypothesis of no difference between age groups was accepted.