Table 1. Results of 14-week strength training program with
elderly nursing home residents (N = 19).
| Parameter |
Pre-Training |
Post-Training |
Change |
| Bodyweight |
130 lbs. |
131 lbs. |
+1 lb. |
| Fat Weight |
30 lbs. |
27 lbs. |
-3 lbs. |
| Lean (Muscle) Weight |
100 lbs. |
104 lbs. |
+4 lbs. |
| Lower Body Strength |
58 lbs. |
105 lbs. |
+47 lbs. |
| Upper Body Strength |
38 lbs. |
53 lbs. |
+15 lbs. |
| Hip Flexibility |
29 deg. |
44 deg. |
+15 deg. |
| Shoulder Flexibility |
100 deg. |
110 deg. |
+9 deg. |
| FIM Score |
78 pts. |
89 pts. |
+11 pts. |
| Mobility Distance |
123 ft. |
210 ft. |
+87 ft. |
| Fall Rate |
1.1 |
0.7 |
-0.4 |
Special thanks to Scott Glover and Susan Ramsden for their assistance
in analyzing the research data for this study.
Wayne L. Westcott, Ph.D., is fitness research director at the South
Shore YMCA in Quincy, MA., and author of several fitness books
including the new releases, Building Strength and Stamina and Strength
Training Past 50.
© 2000 Wayne L. Westcott, Ph.D. all rights reserved