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Adapted physical activity in old age: effects of a low-intensity training program on isokinetic power and
Olivier Seynnes1, Olivier Hue, Delphine Ledrole
1Laboratory of Muscle Structure and Function, School of Sport Sciences, University of Nice Sophia-Antipolis, Nice, France. seynnes@unice.fr
Background And Aims:
This pilot study measured the effects of an original low-intensity training program, called "posture-balancing-mobility" (PBM), on muscular function.
Methods:
Nine non-disabled, elderly (74.3 +/- 6 years) subjects were trained with the PBM technique for 11 weeks (2 sessions per week). Mean power and fatigue index parameters were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer before and after training and compared with those recorded in another group of 9 elderly (71.1 +/- 4.3 years) subjects, who had performed aquatic exercises during the same period and with the same frequency.
Results:
The mean power of the knee extension muscles increased slightly but significantly on the dominant (15.6%, p<0.05) and non-dominant sides (13.4%, p<0.05) in the PBM group, with no significant fatigue index variation. None of the parameters changed significantly for the aquatic group, and comparison of variations obtained in the two groups showed no significant difference between their respective effects.
Conclusions:
Although the results showed slightly enhanced strength production in the PBM group, the low statistical power does not allow conclusions about the impact of this type of training intervention in its current form. Nevertheless, this pilot study provides some indication of the benefits that can be obtained from such an individualized approach. Its efficiency would most likely be improved by further exploration of the minimal threshold of intensity required for strength exercises and by measurement of its effect on functions involving neuromuscular parameters, such as balance or gait.