Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
Increased strength and decreased flexibility are related to reduced oxygen cost of walking
Gary R Hunter1, John P McCarthy, David R Bryan
1Department of Human Studies, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Room 205 Education Building, 901 13th st south, Birmingham, AL 25294-1250, USA. ghunter@uab.edu
Abstract:
Purpose was to determine effects resistance training/weight loss induced changes in muscular strength and flexibility have on net walking oxygen uptake (netVO(2)). Sixty-seven premenopausal women lost 12 kg. Before weight loss subjects were assigned to diet (WL) or diet/3 days per week resistance training (WLRT). Resting energy expenditure, oxygen uptake while walking at 4.84 km h(-1) on the flat and up 2.5% grade, isometric knee extension strength, and flexibility of the knee extensors and plantar flexors were measured. Strength increased in WLRT (+36 N) but not in WL (-24 N). NetVO(2) decreased significantly while flat walking (7.3%) and 2.5% grade walking (5.7%) in WLRT, but not in WL. Delta strength was negatively while delta knee extensor and plantar flexor flexibility were positively related to delta netVO(2). Decreases in walking and grade netVO(2) were independently and positively related to increased knee extension strength and decreased knee extensor and plantar flexor flexibility.
Related Concept Videos
Oxygen Transport in the Blood
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Factors Affecting Respiration
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Muscle Recovery and Fatigue