Effectiveness of a Fast- vs. Slow-Velocity Training on Load-Velocity Characteristics in Older Adults: A Pilot Study

Resistance training at fast velocities is suggested to be more effective for improving muscular strength and movement speed compared to slow, heavy training. This study aimed to examine the effects of a fast-velocity (FVRT) compared to a slow-velocity (SVRT) resistance training program on maximal strength, maximal movement speed, and load-velocity characteristics in older adults. Nineteen community-dwelling older adults were randomly assigned to either the FVRT or SVRT group and completed a twice weekly, progressive resistance training protocol for 8-weeks. Both groups were instructed to move the weight "as fast as possible" during the concentric phase of the movement and received movement velocity biofeedback. Absolute (1RM_ABS) and relative (1RM_REL) strength, maximal movement speed (MMS), load velocity slope (LV_SLOPE) and the area under the LV_SLOPE (LV_AREA) were measured during a 1RM assessment at baseline (PRE), after 4-weeks (MID), and after 8-weeks (POST) of training. No differences were observed in average total volume between groups (FVRT: 47490.3±10888.3 kg/session; SVRT: 44679.3±15250.9 kg/session, p = 0.26, g = 0.60). Both groups improved absolute and relative strength and maximal movement speed. There were no interaction or main effects of LV_SLOPE for time. However, there was a main effect of LV_AREA for time. Both MID and POST LV_AREA were larger than PRE (MID posterior mean_diff: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.13-0.35; POST posterior mean_diff: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.27-0.49). These findings suggest both FVRT and SVRT can lead to improvements in strength and movement speed in older adults. The lack of significant changes in LV_SLOPE indicates that maximal strength and movement speed better reflect performance improvements in older adults than LV_SLOPE.