Chronic Eccentric Exercise and the Older Adult
Ashley Gluchowski1, Nigel Harris2, Deborah Dulson2
1Auckland University of Technology, Human Potential Centre, AUT Millennium Campus, 17 Antares Place, Level 2, Rosedale, Private Bag 92006, Auckland, New Zealand. agluchow@aut.ac.nz.
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.)
|August 15, 2015
Summary
Eccentric exercise effectively improves muscular strength and functional capacity in older adults, offering a safe and beneficial alternative to traditional resistance training for mitigating age-related declines.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Exercise Physiology
- Aging and Musculoskeletal Health
Background:
- Aging leads to physical and physiological declines, impacting quality of life.
- Eccentric exercise is increasingly recognized for its potential to counteract these age-related changes.
- Comparing eccentric exercise with traditional resistance exercise is crucial for evidence-based recommendations in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review original research on chronic eccentric exercise interventions in older adults.
- To evaluate the efficacy of eccentric exercise across various physiological and performance outcomes.
- To compare the effects of eccentric exercise with traditional resistance exercise in the aging population.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of original research studies on eccentric exercise in older adults.
- Inclusion of studies examining diverse eccentric exercise modalities.
- Analysis of outcomes including muscular strength, functional capacity, body composition, and physiological markers.
Main Results:
- Eccentric exercise consistently improved muscular strength more than traditional resistance exercise.
- Significant gains in functional capacity and body composition were observed with eccentric endurance protocols, particularly in frail or sedentary older adults.
- Muscle damage was minimized with gradual progression, and acute damage was attenuated with repeated sessions. Cardiovascular adaptations may be limited due to low cardiovascular stress.
- Anabolic states are achievable, but improvements in insulin sensitivity were not consistently found. Perceived exertion was lower during eccentric exercise.
Conclusions:
- Eccentric exercise is a highly effective intervention for improving muscular strength and functional capacity in older adults.
- It offers a safe approach, minimizing muscle damage when progressively implemented.
- Eccentric exercise supports numerous outcomes of interest for the diverse older adult population, though cardiovascular adaptations and insulin sensitivity require further investigation.
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