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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2015 Mar;70(3):374-80.
doi: 10.1093/gerona/glu156. Epub 2014 Sep 8.

Comparative effects of light or heavy resistance power training for improving lower extremity power and physical performance in mobility-limited older adults

Kieran F Reid  1 , Kimberly I Martin  2 , Gheorghe Doros  3 , David J Clark  4 , Cynthia Hau  2 , Carolynn Patten  5 , Edward M Phillips  6 , Walter R Frontera  7 , Roger A Fielding  8
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Comparative effects of light or heavy resistance power training for improving lower extremity power and physical performance in mobility-limited older adults

Kieran F Reid et al. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2015 Mar.

Abstract

Background: We compared the effects of two uniquely different lower extremity power training interventions on changes in muscle power, physical performance, neuromuscular activation, and muscle cross sectional area in mobility-limited older adults.

Methods: Fifty-two subjects (78±5 years, short physical performance battery score: 8.1±1) were randomized to either 16 weeks of progressive high velocity resistance training performed at low external resistance (40% of the 1-repetition maximum [1-RM] [LO]) or high external resistance (70% of 1RM [HI]). Both groups completed three sets of leg and knee extension exercises at maximum voluntary velocity, two times per week. Neuromuscular activation was assessed using surface electromyography and muscle cross sectional area (CSA) was measured using computed tomography.

Results: At 16 weeks, LO and HI exhibited significant and similar within-group increases of leg extensor peak power (~34% vs ~42%), strength (~13% vs ~19%), and SPPB score (1.4±0.3 vs 1.8±0.3 units), respectively (all P < .03). Improvements in neuromuscular activation occurred in LO (P = .03) while small gains in mid-thigh muscle CSA were detected in LO (1.6%, P = .35) and HI (2.1%, P = .17). No significant between-group differences were evident for any measured parameters (all P > .25).

Conclusions: High velocity resistance training with low external resistance yields similar improvements in muscle power and physical performance compared to training with high external resistance in mobility-limited elders. These findings may have important implications for optimizing exercise interventions for older adults with mobility limitations.

Keywords: Mobility limitations; exercise interventions; high-velocity resistance training.; muscle power.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Participant flow from initial respondents to randomization.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Rate of vastus lateralis muscle activation: baseline vs week 16 (absolute means ± SE). * = Significant within-group difference (P < .05).
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
SPPB score change: baseline vs week 16 (adjusted means ± SE). * = Significant within-group difference (P < .05).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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