Functional Exercise Training With The TRX Suspension Trainer in a Dysfunctional, Elderly Population

Research has shown that resistance exercise training can slow, stop, and possibly reverse the process of sarcopenia. Functional training has been shown to be effective in improving ability to complete activities of daily living in an elderly population. The dysfunctional, institutionalized elderly population is most in need of easily accessible, effective, and safe methods of resistance exercise training to improve functionality in activities of daily living. The purpose of this study was to determine if a functional exercise training program, using the TRX suspension system, would be effective in improving functionality in a dysfunctional, institutionalized elderly population. Subjects (n=3) performed an 8-week, progressive functional exercise training program that included exercises that mimic activities of daily living, using the TRX suspension system. Subjects were tested before, after 4 weeks, and after 8 weeks of exercise with the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, Five-Timed Sit-to-Stand Test, Handgrip Strength assessment, and the SF-36 Survey. There was a significant change from 4-week- to post-testing in the sit-to-stand assessment in the Berg Balance Scale. There were small, but clinically significant improvements in functionality of activities of daily living, and therefore, in quality of life for the participants.