Lower Extremity Muscle Function after Strength or Power Training in Older Adults

Abstract

It is unclear whether strength training (ST) or power training (PT) is the more effective intervention at improving muscle strength and power and physical function in older adults. The authors compared the effects of lower extremity PT with those of ST on muscle strength and power in 45 older adults (74.8 ± 5.7 yr) with self-reported difficulty in common daily activities. Participants were randomized to 1 of 3 treatment groups: PT, ST, or wait-list control. PT and ST trained 3 times/wk for 12 wk using knee-extension (KE) and leg-press (LP) machines at ~70% of 1-repetition maximum (1RM). For PT, the concentric phase of the KE and LP was completed “as fast as possible,” whereas for ST the concentric phase was 2–3 s. Both PT and ST paused briefly at the midpoint of the movement and completed the eccentric phase of the movement in 2–3 s. PT and ST groups showed significant improvements in KE and LP 1RM compared with the control group. Maximum KE and LP power increased approximately twofold in PT compared with ST. At 12 wk, compared with control, maximum KE and LP power were significantly increased for the PT group but not for the ST group. In older adults with compromised function, PT leads to similar increases in strength and larger increases in power than ST.

ACE I/D and ACTN3 R/X polymorphisms as potential factors in modulating exercise-related phenotypes in older women in response to a muscle power training stimuli

“…This physical component has been defined as clinically relevant for risk of falls prevention and loss of independence in the communityactive older population (Reid and Fielding 2012;Pereira et al 2012). As such, identifying genetic variations in response to high-speed power training that influence elderly dynamic strength and power, and functional capacity declines, in comparison with previous reports that used single-joint movements tests for muscle power assessment (e.g., leg extension) (Marsh et al 2009). …”

“…To perform everyday activities, leg muscles are frequently used, and possibly in older women, this would not be a determinant in the expression of significant genotype differences. Also, since this is directly associated with lower extremity performance and a common weakness in older adults, it will likely lead to further inactivity and deterioration of functional status (Marsh et al 2009) with increasing age. Within the context of previous studies, the present investigation suggests that the ACE genotype plays a minor role in maximal strength in lower limbs and its adaptation to resistance training, but potentially only in certain subgroups within the population.…”

Impact of low-volume, high-intensity interval training on maximal aerobic capacity, health-related quality of life and motivation to exercise in ageing men

“…Health-related quality of life and exercise motivation questionnaires were completed by the SED group at measurement Phases A, B and C and by the LEX group at A and C. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form-36 (MOS SF-36) questionnaire (Ware and Sherbourne 1992) which has shown to be a reliable and valid criterion measure of HRQL in numerous populations, including older adults (Acree et al 2006;Marsh et al 2009). The MOS SF-36 questionnaire has 36 questions that are scored to measure eight domains of HRQL pertaining to both physical and mental health.…”

May the Power Be With Us

“…The role of muscle strength in maintaining independence in daily functioning has been widely evidenced in research, especially in patients with limited mobility [12,13]. The most important muscle group necessary to maintain independence in the activities of daily living are the muscles of the lower limbs [14]. The efficiency of the knee extensor muscles determines the ability to carry out such basic tasks as maintaining a standing position, walking, climbing and descending stairs, as well as rising from a sitting position.…”