Weight Train To Help Vision
Recent study finds that weight training may decrease your chances of developing glaucoma.
(PRWEB) December 18, 2003
Weight training, strength training, and resistance training are all different names for an exercise program that increases flexibility, builds bone density, improves strength, decreases the chance of obtaining certain diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart disease, and boosts metabolism, which in turn results in weight loss.
But there is another exciting benefit. Weight training may also decrease your chances of developing glaucoma—the second leading cause of legal blindness. This, according to a recent study published in the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (Vol.17, No. 4, Nov. 2003, page 715-720).
The study, conducted at Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, examined the effects of resistance training on the internal pressure within the eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP). Having high IOP is related to an increased risk of developing glaucoma. Researchers found that strength training decreases this pressure, thus decreasing the risk.
Thirty healthy subjects (15 male and 15 female) performed 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 70% one repetition maximum on either a chest press or leg press. Eye pressure was measured before the exercise, after each set, and five minutes after each exercise.
The results of this study show that intraocular pressure decreases immediately after one or more sets of either exercise. The cause of this decrease is not known, however research suggests that the changes in blood and blood flow to the eye after exercise affects eye pressure. The authors of this study stress caution about generalizing these results. Although the study suggests that resistance training can reduce the likelihood of developing glaucoma, more research is needed in this area.
To get started in a weight training program, the NSCA recommends that you work with a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) or NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT®) to learn proper lifting technique, and maximize your efforts while strength training. You can find these strength and conditioning professionals listed by city on the NSCA web site at www. nsca-lift. org/CPTReferrals (http://www. nsca-lift. org/CPTReferrals).
The National Strength and Conditioning Association seeks to educate its members and increase respect for the strength and conditioning profession by providing a wide variety of resources such as: exceptional professional journals; cutting edge conferences; scholarship and grant opportunities; educational text and videos; and career services to its 26,000 members. Visit the NSCA Online Media Center at www. nsca-lift. org/press (http://www. nsca-lift. org/press) for more information.
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NOTE: The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research is the official research journal of the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and is available from Alliance Communication Group at 800-627-0932. For a complete copy of the research paper (Vol. 17, No. 4, page 715-720) or to speak with a leading strength and conditioning expert on the topic, you may contact the NSCA Public Relations Department at 800-815-6826.
