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Resistance training effects on gait parameters in older adults - a systematic review with multilevel meta‑analysis and meta‑regression

Review written by Dr Mariana Wingood info

Key Points

  1. Among adults 65 years and older, gait speed is an important predictor of morbidity and mortality.
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BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

About 50% of Americans experience slow gait speed (< 0.8m/sec), the strongest predictors of morbidity and mortality (1). Lower extremity weakness, particularly muscle power, has been linked to decline in gait speed (2). Thus, it would make clinical sense that resistance training would result in increased gait speed. However, current literature lacks high-quality moderator analyses to evidentially guide clinicians to best treatment practice.

The objective of this study was to summarize high-quality evidence on strength training’s effect on gait and other functional measures in older adults and to critically compare resistance training to other interventions to clarify its unique impact versus general physical activity on gait outcomes.

About 50% of Americans experience slow gait speed (<0.8m/sec), the strongest predictors of morbidity and mortality.
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The largest positive effects on gait were obtained from ankle plantarflexion, hip abduction, and multi-joint leg press exercises.

METHODS

Design: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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