Explosive resistance training in older adults

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Relevant to recent discussions:

Effect of power-training intensity on the contribution of force and

velocity to peak power in older adults.

J Aging Phys Act. 2008 Oct;16(4):393-407.Links

de Vos NJ, Singh NA, Ross DA, Stavrinos TM, Orr R, Fiatarone Singh MA.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of training intensity on the

contributions of force and velocity to improvements in peak power

(PP) after explosive resistance training in older adults. METHODS:

112 healthy older adults (69 +/- 6 yr) were randomized to explosive

resistance training at 20% (G20), 50% (G50), or 80% (G80) maximal

strength (1-repetition maximum) for 8-12 wk (twice weekly, 5

exercises, 3 sets of 8 explosive concentric/slow eccentric

repetitions) using pneumatic resistance machines or a nontraining

control group (CON).

RESULTS: Force at peak power (FPP) increased significantly and

similarly among training groups compared with CON. Velocity at peak

power (VPP) did not improve significantly and remained similar

between all groups. Force contributed significantly more to PP

production in G80 and G50 than in CON. The change in PP was

independently predicted by changes in fat-free mass in G80 and by

changes in both FPP and VPP in G50 and G20.

CONCLUSION: Explosive resistance training in older adults results in

the ability to produce higher PP outputs with heavier loads without

loss of movement velocity. Moderate- to high-intensity training

induced a greater relative contribution of force to PP production in

this cohort.

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Carruthers

Wakefield, UK