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A comparison of community-based resistance exercise and flexibility exercise for seniors
Barrett C, Smerdely P
Australian Journal of Physiotherapy 2002;48(3):215-219
clinical trial
8/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: Yes; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: Yes; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: Yes; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

Progressive resistance training has positive effects on the health of elderly people, however exercise programs for seniors frequently focus on other forms of exercise. This study is a randomised trial with a blinded assessor comparing a community based progressive resistance training program (n = 20) with a flexibility program (n = 20), both one hour twice weekly for 10 weeks. Outcomes were strength, gait, balance and quality of life. Progressive resistance training has a greater effect than flexibility training on right sided quadriceps strength (mean difference between groups = 7.7%; 95% CI 3.6 to 11.8%, p < 0.003 MANOVA), left sided quadriceps strength (mean difference = 9.9%; 95% CI 5.6 to 14.2%, p < 0.003 MANOVA), left sided biceps strength (mean difference = 15.2%, 95% CI 11.7 to 19.2%, p < 0.003 MANOVA), functional reach (mean difference 11.7%; 95% CI 7.1 to 16.3%, p < 0.003 MANOVA) and step test (mean difference 8.6%; 95% CI 3.8 to 13.4%, p < 0.003 MANOVA). Neither group had improvements in SF36 quality of life measures. Results suggest progressive resistance training produces greater strength, gait and balance improvements in elderly people than a flexibility exercise program.

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