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Published on: July 5, 2017
Lower extremity power training in elderly subjects with mobility limitations: a randomized controlled trial
Kieran F Reid1, Damien M Callahan, Robert J Carabello
1Nutrition, Exercise Physiology and Sarcopenia Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
Aging Clinical and Experimental Research
|October 15, 2008
Summary
High-velocity power training (POW) and traditional resistance training (STR) similarly improved lower extremity muscle power in older adults. Neuromuscular adaptations, not muscle growth, likely drove these gains, suggesting POW may benefit the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Exercise Physiology
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Functionally-limited elders often experience decreased lower extremity muscle power.
- Traditional slow-velocity resistance training (STR) is common, but high-velocity power training (POW) may offer superior benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of high-velocity power training (POW) versus traditional slow-velocity resistance training (STR) on lower extremity muscle power and quality in functionally-limited older adults.
- To determine if POW or STR leads to greater improvements in specific strength and peak power.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-seven community-dwelling older adults (mean age 74.2 years) were randomized into POW, STR, or control (CON) groups.
- All groups trained 3 times/week for 12 weeks, performing leg press and knee extension exercises at 70% of one repetition maximum (1RM).
- Outcome measures included 1RM strength, peak power (PP), and lean mass; specific strength and specific PP were calculated.
Main Results:
- Power output during training was significantly higher in POW compared to STR.
- Both POW and STR groups showed similar increases in knee extensor peak power and specific peak power compared to CON.
- Leg press specific peak power increased significantly more in the POW group than in STR and CON groups.
Conclusions:
- Short-term high-velocity power training and traditional resistance training result in comparable improvements in lower extremity power in mobility-impaired elderly individuals.
- Improvements in muscle quality appear to stem from neuromuscular adaptations rather than skeletal muscle hypertrophy.
- Further research is needed to confirm the efficacy of power training in older adults with compromised physical function.
