The Effects of Regular Light Strength Training and Flexibility Training on Physical and Mental Health in Senior Citizens

Abstract

Introduction: Frequent exercise is known to be associated with better physical and mental health outcomes in all age groups. Vermillion, South Dakota, has no easily accessible way for senior citizens to exercise in groups safely. Clinical observations suggested the hypothesis that senior citizens living independently would benefit both physically and mentally from a tri-weekly chair-based exercise program.

Methods: Twenty-three individuals between the ages of 58-88 from Vermillion were enlisted in this study. Each participant was part of a chair-based exercise class for senior citizens that focused on strengthening the legs, back, and core. Various measurements were taken upon entry into the class and every three months following entry, with the final measurement being six months from the first. Measurements included blood pressure, heart rate, weight, handgrip strength, Tinetti Balance and gait scores, and geriatric depression scale. Data were divided into three groups: Period 1 (measurements on initial entry into the class), Period 2 (measurements three months after an individual has entered the class), and Period 3 (measurements six months after an individual has entered the class). Tukey's multiple comparison test and single factor ANOVA were used for analysis.

Results: There were no statistically significant differences in any measurements over time. This is true both when comparing all values for each period to one another and when comparing values only of participants who completed all three measurement periods. For participants that attended the class long enough to have all three measurements, there was an average weight loss of 8.56 lbs. Geriatric depression scale scores were also trending toward improvement, with the initial mean score being 1.2 and the final score being 0.8. Any score above 4 is concerning for depression so the closer to zero the better.

Conclusions: The data failed to support the hypothesis. The study shows no statistically significant change in measurements taken at initial visit, three months, or six months into the exercise course. Out of 23 participants, only 16 joined early enough to take the three-month measurements, and only five joined early to take the six-month measurements. The trend of participant weight loss and improved Geriatric depression scale scores suggests that if a larger sample size were to participate in the course and stay for all measurements, there might be statistically significant results. Future studies looking to replicate should incentivize increased duration of participation, and they should also track each individual participant's number of sessions attended to use as another variable.