0000000000311202
AUTHOR
Stijn Van Driessche
Training load does not affect detraining's effect on muscle volume, muscle strength and functional capacity among older adults
Research underlines the potential of low-load resistance exercise in older adults. However, while the effects of detraining from high-load protocols have been established, it is not known whether gains from low-load training would be better/worse maintained. The current study evaluated the effects of 24weeks of detraining that followed 12weeks of high- and low-load resistance exercise in older adults. Fifty-six older adults (68.0±5.0years) were randomly assigned to leg press and leg extension training at either HIGH load (2×10-15 repetitions at 80% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM)), LOW load (1×80-100 repetitions at 20% of 1-RM), or LOW+ load (1×60 repetitions at 20% of 1-RM, immediately fo…
Rate of power development of the knee extensors across the adult life span: A cross-sectional study in 1387 Flemish Caucasians.
A growing body of research in elderly populations suggests that the early phase of an explosive muscle contraction (i.e., ≤200 ms) may be more functionally relevant than peak values. However, age-related variation in early phase explosive strength has never been investigated across the full-adult life span. This cross-sectional study investigated the age-related changes in the rate of power development (RPD) and compared it to the changes in peak power (Ppeak), both in terms of magnitude and onset, across the adult life span. Age-related declines in power and determinants of muscle power were compared between sexes. 1387 adults (♂813, ♀574), aged 18-78 years, performed three maximal isoiner…
An age-adapted plyometric exercise program improves dynamic strength, jump performance and functional capacity in older men either similarly or more than traditional resistance training
Power declines at a greater rate during ageing and is more relevant for functional deterioration than either loss of maximum strength or muscle mass. Human movement typically consists of stretch-shortening cycle action. Therefore, plyometric exercises, using an eccentric phase quickly followed by a concentric phase to optimize power production, should resemble daily function more than traditional resistance training, which primarily builds force production capacity in general. However, it is unclear whether older adults can sustain such high-impact training. This study compared the effects of plyometric exercise (PLYO) on power, force production, jump and functional performance to tradition…