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Published on: July 5, 2017
Is power training or conventional resistance training better for function in elderly persons? A meta-analysis
Marielle Tschopp1, Martin Karl Sattelmayer, Roger Hilfiker
1Physiotherapie Tschopp, Leukerbad, Valais, Switzerland.
Age and Ageing
|March 9, 2011
Summary
Power training, using high movement velocity, offers a slight benefit for functional outcomes in older adults compared to conventional strength training. Further research is needed to confirm its safety profile.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Exercise Physiology
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Aging is associated with functional decline, impacting mobility and independence in community-dwelling older adults.
- Conventional resistance training is widely recommended, but its effectiveness in enhancing functional outcomes may be limited.
- Exploring alternative training modalities like power training is crucial for optimizing health in the elderly population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and compare the effects of power training (high velocity) versus conventional resistance training (low velocity) on functional outcomes in older adults.
- To evaluate secondary outcomes including balance, gait, strength, power, muscle volume, and adverse events.
- To determine the feasibility and safety of power training in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs.
- Searched multiple databases including Cochrane, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro, and Scholar-Google.
- Included trials involving individuals over 60 years comparing high-velocity power training with low-velocity conventional training, focusing on functional outcomes.
Main Results:
- Eleven trials involving 377 participants were analyzed.
- Power training showed a small advantage in functional outcomes at follow-up (effect size 0.32).
- Self-reported function also favored power training, though not statistically significant (effect size 0.16).
Conclusions:
- Power training is a feasible exercise modality for older adults.
- It demonstrates a modest benefit over conventional strength training for improving functional outcomes.
- The safety of power training in this population requires further investigation.
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