Effects of intensive strength-power training on sense of coherence among 60-85-year-old people with hip fracture: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Older people with disabilities are at increased risk of psychological health decline. There are no earlier studies on the effects of resistance training on sense of coherence (SOC) among older people with a history of hip fracture. The aim of this study is to test the effects of intensive 12-week strength-power training on SOC among older adults after hip fracture.

METHODS: A clinical sample of 60-85-year-old community-dwelling men and women was studied, 0.5. to 7.0 years after hip fracture. Forty-six had no contraindications for participation and were randomized into training (n=24) and control groups (n=22). The training group participated in a 12-week, individually tailored, strength-power training program, twice a week in a senior gym and supervised by an experienced physiotherapist. SOC was assessed with Antonovsky's short 13-item scale. Data were collected at baseline and after intervention.

RESULTS: Intensive 12-week strength-power training had no effect on participants' SOC level.

CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated no change in SOC after 12-week physical exercise training among participants after hip fracture. Further studies on SOC among older people with disabilities and potential ways of increasing it are needed.