Healthy Aging, Nerve Degeneration
Conditions
Brief summary
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.
Detailed description
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.
Interventions
OTHERResistance Training
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.
Sponsors
American College of Sports Medicine - Central States Chapter
Oklahoma State University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
FACTORIAL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 100 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Apparently healthy adults 18 - 100 years old.
Exclusion criteria
* If you have been notified by a physician to refrain from exercise due to cardiovascular issues. * Known orthopedic or neuromuscular limitations or illness of the upper extremities. * Known neuromuscular disorders. * Individuals that are experiencing a fever (\> 100.4° F) or have identified as symptomatic on the COVID-19 screening questionnaire may not participate at this time.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Motor nerve conduction velocity (m/s) | Before and after 4 weeks of training (or just 4 weeks, for controls) | Conduction velocity of the median nerve, via nerve stimulation, as measured through EMG at the Flexor Digitorum Superficialis muscle |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Nerve cross-sectional area (mm^2) | Before and after 4 weeks of training (or just 4 weeks, for controls) | The area within the visible borders of the nerve, as seen and measured via ultrasound |
| Maximal strength (kg) | Before and after 4 weeks of training (or just 4 weeks, for controls) | Maximal handgrip strength using a handgrip dynamometer |
| Hand motor dexterity (seconds) | Before and after 4 weeks of training (or just 4 weeks, for controls) | A timed Minnesota manual dexterity task |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed