Effect of Resistance Training Over Aerobic Exercise in Improving Quality of Sleep in Older Adults

Background: Lack of studies with appropriate research design and methodology on sleep improvement with exercise, it has not been possible to draw firm conclusions about the effect of resistance exercises over aerobic exercises in improving the quality of sleep in older adults. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of resistance exercises over aerobic exercises in improving quality of sleep in community dwelling older adults thereby improving the physical fitness and preventing falls.

Materials and Method: Forty five subjects with poor sleep and actively living in community were recruited for the study. Subjects were divided into three groups- Aerobic exercise, Resistance training and control group. Resistance training group received exercises like arm curls, bench press, rowing, shoulder press, leg extension and leg press. Aerobic exercise group received activities like elbow flexion, elbow extension, shoulder abduction and adduction, side stepping, cycling etc. Control group was given no training. All the subjects were treated for 5 days a week for 6 weeks and follow-up was taken after 2 weeks. Outcome measures included Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Berg Balance Scale.

Results: Overall, subjects in both the resistance and aerobic groups improved over 6 weeks training as compared to control group. A statistical significant difference was observed between the Resistance and Aerobic groups in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.

Conclusion: In subjects with poor sleep, addition of resistance training proved to be effective than Aerobic exercises in improving quality of sleep in older adults.