Seniors benefit from ATSU resistance chair study

Seniors at Mesa Good Shepherd, an assisted and independent senior living facility in Mesa, Ariz., have just completed a 12-week resistance chair exercise study program facilitated by Jeffrey Alexander, Ph.D., assistant professor with ASHS’ doctor of health sciences program. The exercises performed for the study were designed to help residents maintain – and hopefully improve – their ability to function physically on a daily basis.

The exercise program had 20 resident participants and used a resistance chair provided by VQ ActionCare, who also provided funding for a trainer. According to Dr. Alexander, participants were split into two groups – one slow and controlled, the other using more powerful movements. Study results comparing the two types of training are now being compiled for release in the next two to three months.

Dr. Alexander is joined by two research assistants, Kerrianne Sand, human movement ’09, and Phillip Garrison, human movement ’10, who assisted program trainers and will co-author the upcoming study.

“What a program!” said Carol Carr, study participant. “The study at Mesa Good Shepherd has given me a new outlook and improved quality of life. I require less sleep, and have more energy through the day.

“I feel privileged to have been a participant in this study, and would recommend the resistance chair to all who feel a need for increased strength and all-around well-being. A special thank you to the instructors at A.T. Still University.”