Abstract:
There seems to be many parameters that account for all falls associated with the elderly. In the first part of the elderly falls study, a significant difference in leg strength was found between subjects who had a history of falls and those who had no history of falls. Among the various correlates associated with falling, lack of strength has been identified as a strong predictor of falling. Therefore, the purpose of the present investigation was to assess whether a group of elderly subjects could significantly increase leg strength after engaging in a seven week strength training study. A total of seven (n=7) subjects between the ages 60 to 71 (z = 64.8) years of age were recruited for this study. A Cybex isokinetic leg press machine was used to assess pre and post-test strength values. Once pretesting was completed, the training intensity was based on 15% of each subjects lean body weight. Each training session required subjects to perform four sets of 15 repetitions on a Universal Leg Extension machine three times weekly. The statistical analysis indicated a significant (P<.05) increase in leg strength. Thus the young, middleaged, and elderly, barring any health problems, can improve and possibly retard fall potential.