Strength training in physical therapy

Introduction

In an era characterised by an ageing population and a global epidemic of obesity and related comorbidities, daily habitual physical activity and exercise training with well-known health benefits are key elements to improve quality of life and functional capacity [1]. Muscular weakness exacerbated by physical inactivity is pervasive in ageing adults, and those with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease commonly demonstrate even greater losses of muscular strength. Evidence-based research increasingly supports the importance, safety and efficacy of strength training in the prevention and management of a range of chronic diseases.

A symposium presented at the recent World Confederation for Physical Therapy Congress 2015 in Singapore focused on different perspectives and key issues on advanced or emerging scope of practice in strength training in the field of physical therapy, with particular reference to ageing adults, obese and metabolically unhealthy subjects, and frail patients with coronary artery disease. The main aim was to provide an overview of the importance and effects of evidence-based strength exercise protocols in ageing adults. Secondly, the benefits of an active lifestyle for health, with a particular focus on strength training in patients with obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, and frail patients with coronary artery disease, were introduced.