Effectiveness of power training compared to strength training in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Research suggests that muscle power is a more critical determinant of physical functioning in older adults than muscle strength. The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature on the effect of power training compared to strength training in older adults on tests for muscle power, two groups of activity-based tests under controlled conditions: generic tests and tests with an emphasis on movement speed, and finally, physical activity level in daily life. Methods A systematic search for randomized controlled trials comparing effects of power training to strength training in older adults was performed in PubMed, Embase, Ebsco/CINAHL, Ebsco/SPORTDiscus, Wiley/Cochrane Library and Scopus. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Tool, and quality of evidence was evaluated using GRADEpro Guideline Development Tool. Standardized mean differenences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for outcomes separately using a random effects model. Results Fifteen trials and 583 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Results indicated a statistically significant benefit of power training on all reported outcomes (muscle power SMD: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.54 to 1.44, p < 0.001; generic activity-based tests SMD: 0.37, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.68; p = 0.02, activity-based tests emphasizing movement speed SMD: 0.43, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.62, p < 0.001). None of the included studies used physical activity level in daily life as outcome. Conclusions Power training offers more potential for improving muscle power and performance on activity tests in older adults compared to strength training. Future research should assess exercise parameters for power training in older adults. In addition, the validity and reliability of the tests used must be evaluated to establish a standardized test protocol. This protocol should also include measurements of physical activity in daily life.

Therapeutic validity and replicability of power training interventions in older adults: A review using the TIDieR checklist and CONTENT scale

“…Power training interventions were rated on whether they were described in sufficient detail, to what extent they showed therapeutic validity, and whether they met our proposed criteria for power training. The scope of this review is limited to RCTs included in an existing systematic review comparing the effectiveness of power training to strength training in older adults [ 5 ], but the search was updated for the present review. This review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO 2021: CRD42021273832).…”

“…Research suggests that power training offers more potential for improving physical performance and functioning in older adults compared to strength training alone [ [1] , [2] , [3] , [4] , [5] ]. Power training is a dynamic exercise training that requires a higher velocity of muscular contractions compared to traditional strength training and emphasizes the development of type 2 muscle fibers responsible for shorter bursts of explosive movement [ 6 , 7 ].…”

“…Additionally, power training definitions used in RCTs are vague and there is a lack of consensus regarding the elements that need to be fulfilled for an exercise intervention to constitute as power training. As a result, there are large differences in applied power training interventions [ 5 ]. The heterogeneity between power training interventions raises the question whether the interventions used in RCTs adequately target muscle power and are therapeutically valid.…”

“…In this review, we aimed to assess whether the power training interventions identified in a previous systematic review by el Hadouchi et al [ 5 ] are fully described, therapeutically valid, and meet our proposed criteria for power training. Answering these questions will provide insight into whether the conclusions drawn from the included RCTs evaluating the effects of power training interventions in older adults were warranted.…”

Effects of Eccentric Phase Velocity on Bench Press Concentric Bar Velocity in the Young and Elderly

“…Additionally, elderly individuals exhibit a 50 % deficit in muscle power production when compared to young adults [3]. Therefore, it is of great interest to investigate interventions that can mitigate the decline in neuromechanical factors associated with aging [4]. For this purpose, resistance training (RT) has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness in improving muscle power and strength, regardless of age [5], thereby reducing the likelihood of falls and lowering hospitalization costs [6].…”