Investigating the effect of eight-weeks resistance training with Thera-band on the serum levels of IL-15, balance and muscle strength in elderly women

Aging is associated with the reduction of interleukin-15 levels (IL-15), muscles atrophy and consequently loss of muscular strength. The purpose of present study was to investigate the effect of 8-weeks resistance training with Thera-band on the serum levels of IL-15, balance and muscle strength in elderly women. In a quasi-experimental study, 18 elderly women (age: 73.66 ±4.79 years; BMI: 25.6±3.25) randomly were divided into following groups: experimental (n=10) and control (n=8). Resistance training program included 40 min workouts with Thera-Band for 8 weeks and 3 times per week. Forty eight hours before and after the training protocol balance, hand grip and trunk strength were measured using dynamometer, and blood samples were taken in fasted state. Serum levels of IL-15 were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that the serum levels of IL-15 (P= 0.029), balance (P= 0.003) right hand strength (P= 0.010), left hand strength (P=0.001) and low extremely strength (P=0.001) increased significantly in resistance training with Thera- band group in compared to control group. Based on these findings it could be concluded that Thera-band training may improve the balance in elderly women and there is a relationship between the changes of muscular strength and IL-15 levels.