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Although published studies have indicated the effectiveness of strength exercise for improving muscle strength and functional and neuromotor performance in older adults, there is limited evidence concerning the effects and the intensity of a resistance exercise programme. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week high- and moderate-resistance exercise programme on functional and neuromotor performance in healthy, inactive older adults.In total, 33 sedentary people (aged 60-74 years) were assigned to one of three groups: control; high resistance exercise, and moderate resistance exercise. All three groups were evaluated in the pre- and postexercise period using the 6-minute walk test whole body reaction time and one leg stance time. After the exercise period, both resistance exercise groups significantly improved their lower body strength, functional performance (as measured by the 6-minute walk test), whole body reaction time and one leg stance time. Functional and neuromotor performance improved similarly for both highand moderate-resistance exercise after the training period. The high-resistance exercise was more effective in increasing the lower body strength than moderate-resistance exercise. Results suggest that functional and neuromotor performance can be significantly improved with both high- and moderateresistance exercise protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although published studies have indicated the effectiveness of strength exercise for improving muscle strength and functional and neuromotor performance in older adults, there is limited evidence concerning the effects and the intensity of a resistance exercise programme. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week high- and moderate-resistance exercise programme on functional and neuromotor performance in healthy, inactive older adults. In total, 33 sedentary people (aged 60-74 years) were assigned to one of three groups control; high resistance exercise; and moderate resistance exercise. All three groups were evaluated in the pre- and post-exercise period using the 6-minute walk test, whole body reaction time and one leg stance time. After the exercise period, both resistance exercise groups significantly improved their lower body strength, functional performance (as measured by the 6-minute walk test), whole body reaction time and one leg stance time. Functional and neuromotor performance improved similarly for both high- and moderate-resistance exercise after the training period. The high-resistance exercise was more effective in increasing the lower body strength than moderate-resistance exercise. Results suggest that functional and neuromotor performance can be significantly improved with both high- and moderate resistance exercise protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]