Maintain Muscle Strength, Maintain Function

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Maintain Muscle Strength, Maintain Function

Although the incidence of disability rises sharply with age, it remains important to evaluate functional limitations among adults of all ages as a means to prevent or minimize later-life health problems. Most of the research on the benefits of physical activity addresses aerobic fitness, particularly with respect to cardiovascular health.

The potential impact of muscular fitness to overall function and health has received far less attention in the literature.
In a study designed to "evaluate the potential association of muscular strength and endurance at baseline with functional limitations at followup," 3,658 subjects (3,069 men, 589 women, aged 30-82) who received a strength evaluation between 1980-1989 completed a mail-in survey in 1990. Strength parameters included one-repetition lifts using bench press and leg press machines, as well as a sit-up test (maximum repetitions in one minute).
Functional limitations addressed in the followup survey included questions on ability to perform specific physical activities and the incidence of "new health problems" - heart attack, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer or arthritis. Results showed that at five-year followup, seven percent of men and 12 percent of women reported at least one functional limitation. Subjects with higher measured strength and endurance at baseline had a lower incidence of functional limitations compared with subjects with lower strength/endurance measured at baseline.
These findings suggest that "maintenance of strength throughout the lifespan may reduce the prevalence of functional limitations." The authors conclude by recommending that adults increase aerobic physical activity and activities that increase muscular strength.
Brill PA, Maceral CA, Davis DR, et al. Muscular strength and physical function. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 2000:32(2), pp412-16.