A very brief intervention with the muscle-strengthening guidelines to improve strength in adults aged 50-75 years: a...

Muscle strength is a robust predictor of healthy ageing and vital for independence in later life. Despite their potential reach, there is little evidence that healthcare practitioners are promoting the muscle-strengthening component of the United Kingdom's (UK) Chief Medical Officers' physical activity guidelines in practice. This study aimed to objectively measure strength following a very brief intervention (VBI) with the muscle-strengthening guidelines to determine if this could increase muscle strength in adults aged 50-75 years in the resource-constrained settings of primary care.

A VBI was delivered to 31 participants. Participants were instructed to follow the recommended guideline 'build strength on at least 2 days a week' and asked to keep a diary of their behaviour throughout the six-month period. Grip and ankle strength were measured at baseline and six-months post-intervention. Quantitative strength and demographic data were analysed, alongside qualitative data from diary records.

Pre-to-post intervention measures showed a significant improvement in grip strength from the VBI, however changes in ankle strength were non-significant. Age, employment, income, strength training history, and current self-reported strength level significantly predicted intervention effects. Qualitative data provided additional insight into findings and intervention acceptance, highlighting its perceived value alongside requests for further exercise guidance.

This study is the first to investigate the potential of a 5-minute intervention to increase muscle strength. Results identified a character profile of whom healthcare professionals may best target with this intervention and how to improve this intervention for future implementation in primary care settings.