Ageing, Muscle Power and Physical Function: A Systematic Review and Implications for Pragmatic Training Interventions

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Exercise Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Background:

• Physiological impairments significantly impact functional performance in older adults.
• Targeting these impairments through exercise is crucial for maintaining independence.
• Muscle power emerges as a critical factor in functional capacity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the relationship between muscle power and functional performance in older adults.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of power training (PT) interventions on functional performance.
• To identify key components of successful PT for pragmatic application.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of studies on muscle power, strength, and functional performance.
• Systematic review of PT intervention studies measuring muscle power and functional outcomes.
• Scoping review of PT literature for pragmatic intervention components.

Main Results:

• Muscle power is positively associated with and a superior predictor of functional performance compared to muscle strength.
• Maximal angular velocity of movement is a key component of muscle power linked to function.
• PT interventions, particularly low-load and low-volume, demonstrated superiority over traditional resistance training.

Conclusions:

• Maximal intended movement velocity, low training load, simple methods, and low volume/frequency are components for pragmatic PT.
• Current research often features short-term interventions with limited long-term focus.
• Larger, higher-quality studies are needed to optimize long-term strategies for muscle power and function maintenance.