Resistance band training with functional electrical stimulation improves force control capabilities in older adults

a preliminary study

Authors

  • Joon Ho Lee Department of Human Movement Science, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea; Division of Sport Science, Sport Science Institute, & Health Promotion Center, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea; Neuromechanical Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, Division of Sport Science, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0689-495X
  • Hanall Lee Department of Human Movement Science, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea; Neuromechanical Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, Division of Sport Science, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2084-6666
  • HyunJoon Kim Department of Human Movement Science, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea; Neuromechanical Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, Division of Sport Science, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5684-3611
  • Rye-Kyeong Kim Department of Human Movement Science, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea; Division of Sport Science, Sport Science Institute, & Health Promotion Center, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea; Neuromechanical Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, Division of Sport Science, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6610-4898
  • Tae Lee Lee Department of Human Movement Science, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea; Neuromechanical Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, Division of Sport Science, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5286-0246
  • Do-Kyung Ko Department of Human Movement Science, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea; Neuromechanical Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, Division of Sport Science, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3529-1533
  • Hajun Lee Department of Human Movement Science, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea; Neuromechanical Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, Division of Sport Science, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3952-9043
  • Nyeonju Kang Neuromechanical Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, Division of Sport Science, Incheon National University, 119 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, South Korea. Phone: +82 32 835 8573, Fax: +82 32 835 0788, E-mail: nyunju@inu.ac.kr https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5185-9139

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17179/excli2023-6777

Keywords:

strength training, resistance band, functional electrical stimulation, force control, older adults

Abstract

Resistance band training (RBT) with functional electrical stimulation (FES) may be an effective exercise regimen for improving age-related motor impairments. This preliminary study investigated the potential effects of bimanual RBT with FES on upper limb motor functions in older adults. This study randomly assigned 22 elderly people to the bimanual RBT with FES (Bi-RBT+FES) group and the RBT without FES (Bi-RBT) group. All participants performed isometric hand-grip force control tasks in unimanual (dominant and non-dominant) and bimanual conditions before and after four weeks of exercise for each group. We quantified the mean force, force accuracy, force variability, and force regularity at two targeted force levels (i.e., 10 % and 40 % of maximum voluntary contraction; MVC) to estimate changes in force control capabilities. The results revealed that the Bi-RBT+FES group demonstrated a greater force accuracy in the dominant hand at 10 % of MVC after training. Non-dominant hands in the Bi-RBT+FES group increased force accuracy at 40 % of MVC and reduced force variability collapsed across two targeted force levels. Both groups showed a decrease in force regularity after training. These preliminary results indicate that Bi-RBT+FES may be a viable option to facilitate functional recovery of the upper limbs in older adults.

Published

2024-01-26

How to Cite

Lee, J. H., Lee, H., Kim, H., Kim, R.-K., Lee, T. L., Ko, D.-K., … Kang, N. (2024). Resistance band training with functional electrical stimulation improves force control capabilities in older adults: a preliminary study. EXCLI Journal, 23, 130–142. https://doi.org/10.17179/excli2023-6777

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