The purpose of this project is to identify the effects of hand grip resistance training on nerve speed of the hand muscles and to quantify whether age plays a role in those effects. Two groups (young and older adults) underwent a 4-week resistance training intervention with nerve conduction velocity measured before and after. There were also two control groups (young and older adults) who performed the testing 4 weeks apart, but did not engage in the intervention.
Studies have shown that nerve speed slows with advancing age. As a result, slower nerves may result in slower movement speed and can alter response time. The investigators propose that a resistance training intervention may elicit positive adaptations to the nerves. The purpose of this project is to identify the effects of hand grip resistance training on nerve speed of the hand muscles and to quantify whether age plays a role in those effects. Two groups (young and older adults) underwent a 4-week, at-home, resistance training intervention with nerve conduction velocity (m/s) measured before and after. There were also two control groups (young and older adults) who performed the testing 4 weeks apart, but did not engage in the intervention. Other outcome measures included nerve size, via ultrasound, maximal handgrip strength, and hand dexterity.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
59
Participants in the training groups performed bilateral hand grip resistance training three times per week for four weeks using a specialized hand-grip kit provided to them. Participants were provided with pictures and instructions for each exercise upon completion of the initial testing (PRE) session. They were asked to perform 12 training sessions (approximately 30-45 mins) over the 4 weeks according to their schedule. Each participant was asked to keep a training log to assist with accountability. Those assigned to the control groups were asked to maintain their normal daily activities throughout the four weeks.
Applied Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory
Stillwater, Oklahoma, United States
Motor nerve conduction velocity (m/s)
Conduction velocity of the median nerve, via nerve stimulation, as measured through EMG at the Flexor Digitorum Superficialis muscle
Time frame: Before and after 4 weeks of training (or just 4 weeks, for controls)
Nerve cross-sectional area (mm^2)
The area within the visible borders of the nerve, as seen and measured via ultrasound
Time frame: Before and after 4 weeks of training (or just 4 weeks, for controls)
Maximal strength (kg)
Maximal handgrip strength using a handgrip dynamometer
Time frame: Before and after 4 weeks of training (or just 4 weeks, for controls)
Hand motor dexterity (seconds)
A timed Minnesota manual dexterity task
Time frame: Before and after 4 weeks of training (or just 4 weeks, for controls)
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