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Impact of exercise frequency on hand strength of the elderly
Guderian B, Johnson A, Mathiowetz V
Physical & Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics 2013;31(3):268-279
clinical trial
3/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: No; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: No; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

PURPOSE: To determine if an every other day exercise program achieves comparable results to an everyday program, and to compare participants' adherence to each program. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Thirty-six independent living individuals age 55 and older were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group A performed grip and pinch therapy putty exercises daily. Group B performed the same exercises every other day. Participants were also assessed for program adherence. RESULTS: There was no significant difference (p = 0.05) in grip strength change scores between the low- and high-frequency groups over the 8-week training period. Six out of eight pinch strength change scores indicated no significant difference between groups. Adherence data were better for the low-frequency group. CONCLUSION: For the most part, results indicated no significant difference between the hand-strengthening protocols when measuring hand strength over an 8-week period. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1b.
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