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Injuries during the one repetition maximum assessment in the elderly
C E Shaw1, K K McCully, J D Posner
1Medical College Hospitals, Division of Geriatrics, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA.
Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
|July 1, 1995
Summary
One repetition maximum (1 RM) testing is safe for most elderly individuals, with a low injury rate. Inexperienced older adults may require extra care during strength assessments to prevent potential injuries.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Age-related decline in strength and function is common in older adults.
- Resistance training can counteract age-related strength loss.
- Traditional strength assessments may pose injury risks for the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess injury risks associated with maximal strength evaluations in elderly individuals.
- To determine the safety and efficacy of one repetition maximum (1 RM) testing in older adults.
Main Methods:
- 83 healthy elderly subjects (mean age 65.8 years) performed 1 RM testing across five exercises.
- Subjects were categorized into three groups based on prior weight training experience (none, <6 months, >6 months).
- Injury surveillance occurred at 30 minutes, 2 days, and 7 days post-testing.
Main Results:
- Only 2.4% of all subjects sustained an injury, with both injuries occurring in the group with no prior weight training experience.
- 97.6% of subjects completed the 1 RM assessment without injury.
- Muscle soreness was reported by 58% of subjects but did not meet injury criteria.
Conclusions:
- One repetition maximum (1 RM) testing is a safe and acceptable method for assessing strength in the elderly population.
- Elderly individuals with no prior weight training experience may require additional safety precautions during 1 RM testing.