Quantifying the Trainability of Peripheral Nerve Function in Young and Older Adults.

Quantifying the Trainability of Peripheral Nerve Function in Young and Older Adults.

The purpose of this project is to identify the effects of hand grip resistance training on nerve speed of the hand muscles and to quantify whether age plays a role in those effects. Two groups (young and older adults) underwent a 4-week resistance training intervention with nerve conduction velocity measured before and after. There were also two control groups (young and older adults) who performed the testing 4 weeks apart, but did not engage in the intervention.

Studies have shown that nerve speed slows with advancing age. As a result, slower nerves may result in slower movement speed and can alter response time. The investigators propose that a resistance training intervention may elicit positive adaptations to the nerves. The purpose of this project is to identify the effects of hand grip resistance training on nerve speed of the hand muscles and to quantify whether age plays a role in those effects. Two groups (young and older adults) underwent a 4-week, at-home, resistance training intervention with nerve conduction velocity (m/s) measured before and after. There were also two control groups (young and older adults) who performed the testing 4 weeks apart, but did not engage in the intervention. Other outcome measures included nerve size, via ultrasound, maximal handgrip strength, and hand dexterity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Apparently healthy adults 18 - 100 years old.

Exclusion Criteria:

• If you have been notified by a physician to refrain from exercise due to cardiovascular issues.
• Known orthopedic or neuromuscular limitations or illness of the upper extremities.
• Known neuromuscular disorders.
• Individuals that are experiencing a fever (> 100.4° F) or have identified as symptomatic on the COVID-19 screening questionnaire may not participate at this time.