Effectiveness of individualized training based on force-velocity profiling on physical function in older men

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science

Background:

• Aging leads to declines in muscle mass, strength, and power, impacting physical function.
• Power training is crucial for mitigating age-related functional decline in older adults.
• Force-velocity (FV) profiling offers a method to individualize training, but its superiority over generic approaches requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of individualized power training based on FV profiling versus generic power training on physical function, muscle morphology, and neuromuscular adaptations in older men.
• To determine if FV-profiled training enhances outcomes more than a standardized power training regimen.
• To elucidate the specific adaptations induced by each training modality.

Main Methods:

• Forty-nine healthy older men (68 ± 5 years) were randomized into a generic power training (GPT) or individualized power training (IPT) group for 10 weeks.
• IPT utilized low- or high-resistance exercises derived from initial lower-limb FV profiles.
• Assessments included physical function tests (stair-climbing, sit-to-stand, TUG, grip strength), muscle morphology (ultrasonography), and neuromuscular measures (rate of force development [RFD], rate of myoelectric activity [RMA]).

Main Results:

• Both GPT and IPT groups showed significant improvements in stair-climbing time, sit-to-stand power, leg press power, grip strength, muscle thickness, pennation angle, fascicle length, and RMA (p < 0.05).
• The GPT group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in loaded stair-climbing time (p = 0.04) and RFD (p < 0.05) compared to the IPT group.
• Individualized FV profiling did not lead to superior gains in physical function compared to generic power training.

Conclusions:

• An individualized power training program based on FV profiling did not yield greater improvements in physical function than a generic power training program in older men.
• Generic power training, incorporating a mix of heavy and low loads, may be more effective by stimulating both force- and velocity-specific neuromuscular adaptations.
• A combined-load generic approach appears advantageous for enhancing muscular power and overall physical function in aging populations.