This study examined the persistence rate of resistance training after intervention with progressive resistance training and the long-term changes in self-perceived function as Heath-related quality of life (HRQOL) between a maintaining group (TR) and a detraining group (DT) after the intervention.
One hundred sixty-seven persons aged 65 and older participated in this study. We measured SF-36 as indices of HRQOL before intervention (T1), after intervention (T2), and 1 year later (T3).
We assessed 135 participants at T3, and, of these, 58 were in TR and 77 were in DT. In TR, T2 scores significantly improved over T1 scores for Physical Functioning, Role Physical, and Mental Health (p<.05–.01). Moreover, in T3 scores, Physical Functioning (p<.01) and Role Physical (p<.05) significantly improved over T1 scores. In DT, T2 scores were significantly higher than T1 scores for Vitality and Mental Health (both p<.01), while T3 scores significantly decreased from T2 scores for Physical Functioning, General Health, Vitality, and Mental Health (p<.05–p<.01). Only Physical Functioning of TR was significantly higher than that of DT in T2. However, Physical Functioning, Role Physical, General Health, Vitality, and Mental Health of TR were significantly higher than that of DT in T3 (p<.05–.01). No subscale scores at T3 were significantly lower than at T1.
Our findings suggest that for the elderly, voluntarily continuing training after the structured program has beneficial effects for HRQOL, and the differences in HRQOL with regard to how to spend time after the intervention over the long term. However, it was possible for the HRQOL of the participants to deteriorate, though not significantly, at 1 year after the intervention in comparison to the baseline. This result suggests that the significant HRQOL gains of the DT group for the intervention period are very important.