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Community-Based Strength Training Improves Physical Function in Older Women With Arthritis

Nutrition, Exercise Physiology and Sarcopenia Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center at Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, jennifer.layne{at}peopleexercising.org, People Exercising, Inc, Boston, MA, Foundation for Informed Medical Decision Making, Boston, Massachusetts

Senada Arabelovic, DO

Division of Rheumatology/Immunology, Arthritis Treatment Center, Tufts Center, Boston, Massachusetts

Lynn Bairos Wilson, MA

Nutrition, Exercise Physiology and Sarcopenia Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center at Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts

Gregory J. Cloutier

Nutrition, Exercise Physiology and Sarcopenia Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center at Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts

Mariya A. Pindrus

Nutrition, Exercise Physiology and Sarcopenia Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center at Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts

Charlotte J. Mallio

Nutrition, Exercise Physiology and Sarcopenia Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center at Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts

Ronenn Roubenoff, MD, MHS

Division of Rheumatology/Immunology, Arthritis Treatment Center, Tufts Center, Boston, Massachusetts

Carmen Castaneda-Sceppa, MD, PhD

Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, Northeastern University Bouve College of Health Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts

Exercise is recognized as a mainstay treatment of arthritis, yet more than 40% of adults with arthritis report no leisure time physical activity participation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working to identify and promote evidence-based physical activity programs to improve physical function among adults with arthritis. The authors conducted a multisite, pilot randomized controlled trial to examine the effects of community-based strength training versus usual activity in women (n = 33) 55 years of age and older with arthritis. The moderate-intensity, progressive strength training intervention included balance and flexibility exercises. Classes met 2 times per week for 12 weeks. Outcome measures included muscle strength, performance-based physical function (mobility, flexibility, and balance), and arthritis symptoms. Lower body strength improved from baseline to 12 weeks in the strength training versus control group (32.2%-7.3%, respectively; P = .004). Physical function improved in the strength training group over 12 weeks (range, 7%-50%; P < .05), with no change in control group. Adherence to the intervention was 82% ± 16%. There were no adverse effects on arthritis symptoms. These results demonstrate the efficacy of this program and its potential to be disseminated as an evidence-based strength training intervention to improve physical function and strength among older women with arthritis and other major comorbidities.

Key Words: exercise • weight lifting • elderly

This version was published on November 1, 2009

American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, Vol. 3, No. 6, 466-473 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1559827609342061


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