An Exercise Intervention May Counteract the Degradation of Nerve Conduction from Age-Related Disuse

The purpose was twofold: first, to determine the effects of resistance training on nerve conduction velocity (NCV), and second, to determine if changes in NCV are dependent on age. We hypothesized that training would result in faster nerve conduction in both young and older adults, albeit to a lesser extent in older adults.

Forty-eight subjects (18-84 yr) completed this study (training: n = 14 younger, 14 older; control: n = 12 younger, 8 older). Median motor NCV and maximal strength were recorded before and after 4 wk of handgrip training in both limbs. Training was conducted 3×/wk with the use of a grip training kit.

Mixed-factorial ANOVA revealed significant increases in NCV for both the young ( P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.749) and older training groups ( P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.679), but neither in control groups (young: P = 0.353, Cohen's d = 0.326; older: P = 0.108, Cohen's d = -0.184).

The results of this study suggest that resistance training may be a viable method to counteract age-related nerve deterioration. These outcomes have the potential to improve quality of life and generate greater independence for our older populations.