Exercise, Body Composition, and Functional Ability. A Randomized Controlled Trial

Kemmler W, von Stengel S, Engelke K, Häberle L, Mayhew J, Kalender WA (2010)

Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Journal article, Original article

Publication year: 2010

Journal

Book Volume: 38

Pages Range: 279-287

Journal Issue: 3

DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2009.10.042

Abstract

Context: In women, age and the menopausal transition contribute to an increase of body fat and a
reduction of lean body mass associated with functional decline, affecting independent living.
Background: Sarcopenia and adiposity in the elderly has been associated with increased mortality
and functional decline affecting independent living.
Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the effect of a multipurpose exercise program on
the body composition and functional ability of elderly women living in a community.
Design: An 18-month single-blinded RCT comparing participants in an exercise program with an
active control group was conducted from May 2005 through December 2007. Analyses were con-
ducted from January 2008 to July 2008.
Setting/participants: Two hundred forty-six women (aged 69.1
4.0 years) living independently
in the area of Erlangen–Nürnberg (Germany) participated in the study.
Intervention: Subjects (n123) performed a multipurpose exercise program with special emphasis
on exercise intensity but with low-level requirements for training facilities and materials. The 123
women in the control group focused primarily on well-being.
Main outcome measures: Body composition was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.
Further, strength was evaluated using isometric techniques for the back and legs. Aerobic fıtness was
determined from a progressive-intensity treadmill test.
Results: After 18 months, signifıcant effects in favor of the exercise program for body composition
were increases in appendicular skeletal muscle mass and lean body mass along with reductions in
abdominal fat and total body fat. Signifıcant performance effects also favored the exercise program
and included enhanced isometric maximum trunk-extensor and leg press strength, leg press power,
timed up-and-go test, and aerobic fıtness.
Conclusions: A high-intensity multipurpose exercise program produced signifıcant improvements
in body composition and functional ability in a cohort of elderly women living in a community.
Trial registration: NCT00267839.

Authors with CRIS profile

Involved external institutions

Truman State University United States (USA) (US)

How to cite

APA:

Kemmler, W., von Stengel, S., Engelke, K., Häberle, L., Mayhew, J., & Kalender, W.A. (2010). Exercise, Body Composition, and Functional Ability. A Randomized Controlled Trial. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 38(3), 279-287. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2009.10.042

MLA:

Kemmler, Wolfgang, et al. "Exercise, Body Composition, and Functional Ability. A Randomized Controlled Trial." American Journal of Preventive Medicine 38.3 (2010): 279-287.

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