A powerlifting-based exercise program for community-dwelling older adults: A case series

Aging leads to declines in muscle mass, strength, and function, compromising independence and quality of life. Powerlifting, a strength sport modality focusing on the squat, bench press, and deadlift, has shown promise for enhancing strength and function in older adults.

Investigate the effects of a 12-week powerlifting training program on physical function and muscular strength in community-dwelling older adults.

This study recruited a convenience sample of 12 healthy older adults (age = 69.6 ± 4.8 years; 33.3 % men). The study lasted 15 weeks, consisting of a three-week familiarization period and 12 weeks of powerlifting training. The powerlifting training consisted of squat, bench press, deadlift, and complementary exercises. Body composition, physical function, and muscle strength were assessed before and after 12 weeks of powerlifting training.

Significant improvements were observed in the sit-to-stand 5x test (p = 0.010) and in muscular strength across all powerlifting exercises. In the squat, increases were observed in absolute strength (p = 0.016) and relative strength (p = 0.032); the bench press showed increases in absolute strength (p = 0.001) and relative strength (p = 0.002); the deadlift demonstrated increases in absolute strength (p = 0.003) and relative strength (p = 0.005). However, no significant changes were observed in body composition and other measures of physical function, one-leg stand, and TUG tests.

The 12-week powerlifting training program resulted in significant improvements in physical function and strength, as well as in the sit-to-stand 5x test and powerlifting exercises, among community-dwelling older adults.