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Updated: Jun 24, 2025
Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
Resistance Training with Instability Does Not Hamper Total Training Volume and Muscle Strength Gains in Older Adults:
Yslaíny Araújo Silva1, Bruno Remígio Cavalcante1,2, Letícia Bojikian Calixtre1
1Graduate Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance (PPGRDF), Physical Therapy Department, Universidade de Pernambuco, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil.
Background:
Resistance training with instability (REI) emerged as a promising training modality for older adults aiming to counteract age-related changes.
Objectives:
We compared the effects of 12 weeks of REI and traditional resistance exercise (RE) on muscle strength in older adults with cognitive impairment. We further explored if total training volume (TTV) significantly differs among training groups.
Methods:
This is a secondary analysis of the REI study. Participants were randomly assigned to REI (n=22) or RE (n=23). RE protocol involved moderate-intensity, free-weight, and machines-based resistance exercises (3 sets, 10-15 repetitions). REI received a similar training protocol, in which exercises were simultaneously performed with instability/unstable devices (e.g., squat exercise under a foam pad or Bosu® ball). Maximal isometric strength and isokinetic parameters were assessed at baseline and after completion of a 12-week intervention through a hydraulic handgrip and isokinetic dynamometer, respectively. TTV (sets × repetitions × load) was computed based on external training load over the 12 weeks.
Results:
No differences were observed between groups (p=.35) after the intervention. Over 12 weeks, REI and RE improved isometric handgrip strength (p<.001) and isokinetic performance (p=.04). We also did not find differences in the TTV between training groups (p=.28).
Conclusion:
We demonstrated that both REI and RE training induced similar gains in muscle strength. Combining unstable surfaces/instability devices did not hamper TTV, which may have clinical applications in the context of exercise for older adults.
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