Nautilus North

CONCLUSION

The strength training model employed in this study is the Vigor* program developed by Gary Reinl and operated by NovaCare in more than 120 senior living facilities nationwide. It is a simple, successful, and time-efficient program that provides an excellent model for training older adults. However, there are other proven strength training programs for the elderly, such as the Tufts University model used in numerous research studies.

Regardless of the training protocol utilized, the important point is that sensible and supervised strength exercise should be provided to residents in assisted living centers. In a very real sense, these are the individuals who can benefit most from more muscle strength. While one is never too old to begin strength training, it is certainly advantageous to start sooner rather than later. We therefore recommend that independent living facilities also make well-designed strength training programs available to all residents. In addition to improving the participants' functional capacity, such programs should be instrumental in reducing health care costs, thereby benefiting society in general.

Based on the results of our 14_week strength training study at the Med Center of the John Knox Village Campus, we conclude that a basic program of progressive resistance exercise may be a safe and effective means for enabling elderly patients to attain:

improved body composition,
increased muscle strength,
enhanced joint flexibility,
increased functional capacity,
improved mobility

Based on firsthand reports from medical staff and residents at the John Knox Village Campus, we further conclude that a supervised strength training program may be related to:

increased potential for patient independence,
improved cooperation between care givers and patients,
improved cooperation among nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists
speech therapists, and recreation specialists,
enhanced potential for recruiting new residents,
enhanced potential for recruiting new professional staff,
reduced health care costs.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Wayne L. Westcott, Ph.D., is fitness research director at the South Shore YMCA in Quincy, Massachusetts, and co-author of the new books "Strength Training Past 50" and "Strength Training for Seniors." He is a member of the National Advisory Board of the American Senior Fitness Association.

Mark Richards, M.S., P.T., is the national program manager for Vigor.

Gary Reinl designed and developed the Vigor strength training program, which has been implemented in more than 120 senior living facilities throughout the United States. Donna Califano, P.T.A., is staff therapist and director of the strength training program at John Knox Village Campus in Orange City, Florida.

The authors wish to express their sincere appreciation to all The authors wish to express their sincere appreciation to all of the John Knox Village Campus administrators, professional staff, and residents whose leadership, cooperation, and participation made this study possible. We also wish to acknowledge the valuable assistance provided by Susan Ramsden, Scott Glover, Dr. Avery Faigenbaum, and Grant Clark and Brian O'Keeffe of the American Senior Fitness Association.

Editor's Notes:

i Based on this study conducted by Wayne Westcott, Ph.D, Gary Reinl and Donna Califano, PTA, Nautilus Human Performance Systems has developed the "FREEDOM THROUGH FUNCTIONALITY", Nautilus Strength Training for the Elderly program. For more information please contact Nautilus at 800-Nautilus.

i Co-author Gary Reinl wishes to thank Electronic Waveform Labs, manufacturers of H-Wave, for their contribution to this project. Mr. Reinl notes that people who would most benefit from strength training are often the least likely to go to the weight room because of pain, edema and/or complications from wound care. H-Wave, a powered muscle stimulator, helps remove this obstacle by assisting the circulatory system to deliver nutrients and remove waste, thus enhancing the body's natural healing process. To learn more about H-Wave call 800-874-9283. Web site: www.h-wave.com.

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