Velocity-Based Training Effects on Functional Performance and Power Across Multiple Time Points in Parkinson Disease

Calaway, C, Milgrim, W, Kim, Y, Mann, B, Martinez, K, Haq, I, and Signorile, JF. Velocity-based training effects on functional performance and power across multiple time points in Parkinson disease. J Strength Cond Res 39(8): e1036-e1042, 2025-Velocity-based training (VBT) is a unique resistance-training method that uses changes in velocity, rather than load, to dictate progressions. Although VBT can improve performance in patients with Parkinson disease (PD), the impact of training duration on neuromuscular and functional performances has not been investigated. Leg press peak power (LP-PP) at 40-80% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) was assessed after a 12-week VBT program using 10 and 30% velocity thresholds. Functional tests included the 5 time sit-to-stand (5xSTS), and 10-m walk test at maximum (10MWT-M) and habitual gait speeds (10MWT-H). For all data from 16 PD patients, repeated-measures ANOVAs were used to assess main effects and interactions at week 1 (wk 1), week 4 (wk 4), week 8 (wk 8), and week 12 (wk 12). A significant time effect was observed for LP-PP with increases from wk 1-wk 12 (Mdiff ± SE = 43.64 ± 13.15 W; p = 0.006), wk 4-wk 8 (47.00 ± 15.86 W; p = 0.012), and wk 4-wk 12 (66.92 ± 20.30 W; p = 0.006). Significant time effects were also seen for the 5xSTS and 10MWT-M with significant improvements in 5xSTS performance between wk 1-wk 8 (-0.751 ± 0.19 s; p = 0.002), wk 1-wk 12 (-1.503 ± 0.447 s; p = 0.005), and wk 4-wk 12 (-1.537 ± 0.521 s, p = 0.011), and 10MWT-M with improvements from wk 1-wk 8 (-0.262 ± 0.082 s; p = 0.007), wk 1-wk 12 (-0.421 ± 0.075; p < 0.001), wk 4-wk 8 (-0.190 ± 0.055 s; p = 0.004), wk 4-wk 12 (-0.349 ± 0.077 s; p < 0.001), and wk 8-wk 12 (-0.159 ± 0.062 s, p = 0.022). Results indicate significant improvements in functional and neuromuscular performances of PD patients require at least 8 weeks of VBT and are maintained throughout the training period.