Strength versus muscle power-specific resistance training in community-dwelling older adults. Residual effects of muscle strength and muscle power training and detraining on physical function in community-dwelling prefrail older adults: a randomized controlled trial Land-based versus aquatic resistance therapeutic exercises for older women with sarcopenic obesity: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial Optimal load for increasing muscle power during explosive resistance training in older adults. Effectiveness of exercise interventions on physical function in community-dwelling frail older people: an umbrella review of systematic reviews A Comparison of High-Speed Power Training and Traditional Slow-Speed Resistance Training in Older Men and Women Comparative effects of light or heavy resistance power training for improving lower extremity power and physical performance in mobility-limited older adults. Effect of elastic band‐based high‐speed power training on cognitive function, physical performance and muscle strength in older women with mild cognitive impairment High-velocity resistance training increases skeletal muscle peak power in older women. The effect of a training program combined with augmented afferent feedback from the feet using shoe insoles on gait performance and muscle power in older adults: a randomised controlled trial Training for muscle power in older adults: effects on functional abilities. High-Speed Resistance Training Modifies Load-Velocity and Load-Power Relationships in Parkinson's Disease High-Speed Power Training in Older Adults: A Shift of the External Resistance at Which Peak Power Is Produced Effects of a progressive resistance exercise program with high-speed component on the physical function of older women with sarcopenic obesity: a randomized controlled trial Weighted stair climbing in mobility-limited older people: a pilot study. Eccentric versus traditional resistance exercise for older adult fallers in the community: a randomized trial within a multi-component fall reduction program Effects of a targeted multimodal exercise program incorporating high-speed power training on falls and fracture risk factors in older adults: a community-based randomized controlled trial. Effects of feedback-based balance and core resistance training vs. Pilates training on balance and muscle function in older women: a randomized-controlled trial. Power training improves balance in healthy older adults. Once weekly combined resistance and cardiovascular training in healthy older men. Efficacy of whey protein supplementation on resistance exercise-induced changes in lean mass, muscle strength, and physical function in mobility-limited older adults. Lower extremity power training in elderly subjects with mobility limitations: a randomized controlled trial Power training induced change in bradykinesia and muscle power in Parkinson's disease.
BACKGROUND Loss of muscle power due to normal aging has greater functional impact than loss of strength alone . The present study compared two resistance training programs , one aim ed at enhancing muscle power and one at increasing muscle strength , on muscle function and functional performance in older adults . METHODS Sixty-seven healthy , independent older adults ( 65 - 84 years ) were r and omized to a high-velocity varied resistance ( HV ) , constant resistance ( ST ) , or nontraining control ( CO ) group . Participants trained twice weekly for 24 weeks using six exercises .  Dynamic and isometric muscle strength , muscle power , movement velocity , muscle endurance , and a battery of functional performance tasks were assessed . Secondary outcomes included body composition , quality of life , and balance confidence . RESULTS Muscle strength increased significantly ( p < .001 ) and similarly in the training groups compared to controls ( HV , 51.0 + /- 9.0 % ; ST , 48.3 + /- 6.8 % ; CO , 1.2 + /- 5.1 % ) . Peak muscle power also increased with training ( p < .05 ) , with no difference between training groups . The change in peak power was 50.5 + /- 4.1 % , 33.8 + /- 3.8 % , and -2.5 + /- 3.9 % in the HV , ST , and CO groups , respectively . Training also improved selected functional performance tasks in the HV and ST groups compared to controls ( p < .05 ) , and the HV group reported improved quality of life ( p = .018 ) . CONCLUSION Muscle power and muscle strength improved similarly using either resistance training protocol , and these changes were accompanied by improvements in several functional performance tasks . However , improvements in the HV group occurred with less total work performed per training session Background Although resistance exercise interventions have been shown to be beneficial in prefrail or frail older adults it remains unclear whether there are residual effects when the training is followed by a period of detraining . The aim of this study was to establish the sustainability of a muscle power or muscle strength training effect in prefrail older adults following training and detraining . Methods 69 prefrail community-dwelling older adults , aged 65–94 years were r and omly assigned into three groups : muscle strength training ( ST ) , muscle power training ( PT ) or controls . The exercise interventions were performed for 60 minutes , twice a week over 12 weeks . Physical function ( Short Physical Performance Battery = SPPB ) , muscle power ( sit-to-st and transfer = STS ) , self-reported function ( SF-LLFDI ) and appendicular lean mass ( aLM ) were measured at baseline and at 12 , 24 and 36 weeks after the start of the intervention . Results For the SPPB , significant intervention effects were found at 12 weeks in both exercise groups ( ST : p = 0.0047 ; PT : p = 0.0043 ) . There were no statistically significant effects at 24 and 36 weeks . In the ST group , the SPPB declined continuously after stop of exercising whereas the PT group and controls remained unchanged . No effects were found for muscle power , SF-LLFDI and aLM . Conclusions The results showed that both intervention types are equally effective at 12 weeks but did not result in statistically significant residual effects when the training is followed by a period of detraining . The unchanged SPPB score at 24 and 36 weeks in the PT group indicates that muscle power training might be more beneficial than muscle strength training . However , more research is needed on the residual effects of both interventions . Taken the drop-out rates ( PT : 33 % , ST : 21 % ) into account , muscle power training should also be used more carefully in prefrail older adults . Trial registration This trial has been registered with clinical trials.gov ( NCT00783159 Background Sarcopenic obesity is a health condition that combines excess adipose tissue and loss of muscle mass and strength . Sarcopenic obesity predisposes to more functional disabilities than obesity or sarcopenia alone . Progressive resistance exercises are recommended for older people as a potential treatment for sarcopenia and also for obesity . However , there is a lack of evidence indicating which programmes are best applied to older people , and no studies have investigated their effects on sarcopenic obese people . The aims of this protocol study are to investigate and compare the efficacy of l and -based and aquatic resistance exercise programmes on improving muscle performance , functional capacity and quality of life of older women with sarcopenic obesity . Methods / Design This is a protocol study for a parallel r and omised controlled clinical trial . Eligible participants are older women ( ≥65 years ) with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m 2 and h and grip strength ≤21 kg force . A total sample of 36 participants will be r and omly allocated to one of the intervention groups in blocks of three : l and -based , aquatic or control . Each intervention group will undergo 2-week sessions of a 10-week therapeutic exercise programme for strength , power and endurance training of the lower-limb muscles . Participants in the control group will not participate in any strengthening activity for lower limbs and will receive telephone calls once a week . Baseline and final evaluation of outcomes will encompass muscle performance of the lower limbs assessed by an isokinetic dynamometer ; functional tests of usual walking speed , maximal walking speed ( shuttle walking test ) , stair speed and the Short Physical Performance Battery ; and health-related quality of life ( Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Question naire – SF-36 ) . Data collectors will be blinded to r and omisation and will not be in touch with participants during the interventions . Discussion This study is the first r and omised controlled trial design ed to evaluate resistance exercises in older patients with sarcopenic obesity . If our hypothesis proves correct , both intervention programmes will be effective , with the l and -based exercises conferring better results in muscle performance . Trial registration Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos : BACKGROUND Muscle power ( force x velocity ) recedes at a faster rate than strength with age and may also be a stronger predictor of fall risk and functional decline . The optimal training paradigm for improving muscle power in older adults is not known , although some literature suggests high velocity , low load training is optimal in young adults . METHODS One hundred twelve healthy older adults ( 69 + /- 6 years ) were r and omly assigned to either explosive resistance training at 20 % ( G20 ) , 50 % ( G50 ) , or 80 % ( G80 ) one repetition maximum ( 1RM ) for 8 - 12 weeks or to a nontraining control group ( CON ) . Participants trained twice per week ( five exercises ; three sets of eight rapidly concentric and slow eccentric repetitions ) using pneumatic resistance machines . Repeated- measures analysis of variance and covariance ( ANOVA and ANCOVA ) were used to determine the effects of training . RESULTS Average peak power increased significantly and similarly in G80 ( 14 + /- 8 % ) , G50 ( 15 + /- 9 % ) , and G20 ( 14 + /- 6 % ) compared to CON ( 3 + /- 6 % ) ( p < .0001 ) . By contrast , a positive dose-response relationship with training intensity was observed for relative changes in average strength ( r = .40 , p = .0009 ) and endurance ( r = .43 , p = .0005 ) . Average strength increased in G80 ( 20 + /- 7 % ) , G50 ( 16 + /- 7 % ) , and G20 ( 13 + /- 7 % ) compared to CON ( 4 + /- 4 % ) ( p < .0001 ) . Average muscle endurance increased in G80 ( 185 + /- 126 % , p < .0001 ) , G50 ( 103 + /- 75 % , p = .0004 ) , and G20 ( 82 + /- 57 % , p = .0078 ) compared to CON ( 28 + /- 29 % ) . CONCLUSION Peak muscle power may be improved similarly using light , moderate , or heavy resistances , whereas there is a dose-response relationship between training intensity and muscle strength and endurance changes . Therefore , using heavy loads during explosive resistance training may be the most effective strategy to achieve simultaneous improvements in muscle strength , power , and endurance in older adults Objectives : This umbrella review aim ed to determine the effectiveness of exercise interventions , alone or in combination with other interventions , in improving physical function in community-dwelling older people identified as pre-frail or frail . Introduction : Exercise is said to have a positive impact on muscle mass and strength which improves physical function and hence is beneficial for the treatment of frailty . Several systematic review s discuss the effects of exercise interventions on physical function parameters , such as strength , mobility , gait , balance and physical performance , and indicate that multi-component exercise , including resistance , aerobic , balance and flexibility training , appears to be the best way in which to improve physical function parameters in frail older people . However , there is still uncertainty as to which exercise characteristics ( type , frequency , intensity , duration and combinations ) are the most effective and sustainable over the long-term . Inclusion criteria : Participants were adults , 60 years or over , living in the community and identified as pre-frail or frail . Quantitative systematic review s , with or without meta- analysis that examined the effectiveness of exercise interventions of any form , duration , frequency and intensity , alone or in combination with other interventions design ed to alter physical function parameters in frail older people , were considered . The quantitative outcome measures were physical function , including muscular strength , gait , balance , mobility and physical performance . Methods : An iterative search strategy for ten bibliometric data bases and gray literature was developed . Critical appraisal of seven systematic review s was conducted independently by two review ers using a st and ard Joanna Briggs Institute tool . Data was extracted independently by two review ers using a st and ard Joanna Briggs Institute data extraction tool and summarized using a narrative synthesis approach . Results : Seven systematic review s were included in this umbrella review , with a total of 58 relevant r and omized controlled trials and 6927 participants . Five systematic review s examined the effects of exercise only , while two systematic review s reported on exercise in combination with a nutritional approach , including protein supplementations , as well as fruit and dairy products . The average  exercise frequency was 2–3 times per week ( mean 3.0 ± 1.5 times per week ; range 1–7 weekly ) for 10–90 minutes per session ( mean of 52.0 ± 16.5 mins ) and a total duration of 5–72 weeks with the majority lasting a minimum of 2.5 months ( mean 22.7 ± 17.7 weeks ) . Multi-component exercise interventions can currently be recommended for pre-frail and frail older adults to improve muscular strength , gait speed , balance and physical performance , including resistance , aerobic , balance and flexibility tasks . Resistance training alone also appeared to be beneficial , in particular for improving muscular strength , gait speed and physical performance . Other types of exercise were not sufficiently studied and their effectiveness is yet to be established . Conclusions : Interventions for pre-frail and frail older adults should include multi-component exercises , including in particular resistance training , as well as aerobic , balance and flexibility tasks . Future research should adopt a consistent definition of frailty and investigate the effects of other types of exercise alone or in combination with nutritional interventions so that more specific recommendations can be made Sayers , SP and Gibson , K. A comparison of high-speed power training and traditional slow-speed resistance training in older men and women . J Strength Cond Res 24(12 ) : 3369 - 3380 , 2010-Muscle power , the product of force × velocity , is a critical determinant of function in older adults . Resistance training ( RT ) at high speed has been shown to improve peak muscle power in this population ; however , different functional tasks may benefit from the improvement of power at values other than “ peak ” values , for example , tasks that require a greater velocity component or a greater force component . This study compared the effect of high-speed RT on muscle performance ( peak power [ PP ] and its components [ PP force and PP velocity ] and overall peak velocity [ VEL ] ) across a broad range of external resistances . Thirty-eight older men and women were r and omized  to high-speed power training at 40 % of the 1-repetition maximum ( 1RM ) ( n = 13 [ 74.1 ± 6.4 years ] ) ; traditional RT at 80 % 1RM ( n = 13 [ 70.1 ± 7.0 years ] ) ; or control ( n = 12 [ 72.8 ± 4.1 years ] ) . Measures of muscle performance were obtained at baseline and after the 12-week training intervention . Muscle power and 1RM strength improved similarly with both high-speed and traditional slow-speed RT . However , speed-related muscle performance characteristics , PP velocity and overall VEL , were most positively impacted by high-speed power training , especially at lower external resistances . Because gains in speed-related measures with high-speed training compared to traditional RT do not come at the expense of other muscle performance outcomes , we recommend using an RT protocol in older adults that emphasizes high-speed movements at low external resistances 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 r and omized 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 implication s for optimizing exercise interventions for older adults with mobility limitations AIM The effectiveness of resistance training in improving cognitive function in older adults is well demonstrated . In particular , unconventional high-speed resistance training can improve muscle power development . In the present study , the effectiveness of 12 weeks of elastic b and -based high-speed power training ( HSPT ) was examined . METHODS Participants were r and omly assigned into a HSPT group ( n = 14 , age 75.0 ± 0.9 years ) , a low-speed strength training ( LSST ) group ( n = 9 , age 76.0 ± 1.3 years ) and a control group ( CON ; n = 7 , age 78.0 ± 1.0 years ) .  A 1-h exercise program was provided twice a week for 12 weeks for the HSPT and LSST groups , and balance and tone exercises were carried out by the CON group . RESULTS Significant increases in levels of cognitive function , physical function , and muscle strength were observed in both the HSPT and LSST groups . In cognitive function , significant improvements in the Mini-Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment were seen in both the HSPT and LSST groups compared with the CON group . In physical functions , Short Physical Performance Battery scores were increased significantly in the HSPT and LSST groups compared with the CON group . In the 12 weeks of elastic b and -based training , the HSPT group showed greater improvements in older women with mild cognitive impairment than the LSST group , although both regimens were effective in improving cognitive function , physical function and muscle strength . CONCLUSIONS We conclude that elastic b and -based HSPT , as compared with LSST , is more efficient in helping older women with mild cognitive impairment to improve cognitive function , physical performance and muscle strength . Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017 ; 17 : 765 - 772 OBJECTIVES Peak power declines more precipitously than strength with advancing age and is a reliable measure of impairment and a strong predictor of functional performance . We tested the hypothesis that a high-velocity resistance-training program ( HI ) would increase muscle power more than a traditional low-velocity resistance-training program ( LO ) . DESIGN R and omized controlled trial . SETTING University-based human physiology laboratory . PARTICIPANTS Thirty women with self-reported dis-ability ( aged 73 + 1 , body mass index 30.1 + 1.1 kg/mn ) . INTERVENTION We conducted a r and omized trial comparing changes in skeletal muscle power and strength after 16 weeks of HI or LO . Training was performed three times per week , and subjects completed three sets ( 8 - 10 repetitions ) of leg press ( LP ) and knee extension ( KE ) exercises at 70 % of the one-repetition maximum ( IRM ) . MEASUREMENTS One-repetition maximum ( 1 RM ) and peak power for KE and LP . RESULTS LP and KE relative training force and total work were similar between groups ( P > .05 ) . However , HI generated significantly higher power during training sessions than LO for LP ( 3.7-fold greater , P < .001 ) and KE ( 2.1-fold greater , P < .001 ) . Although LP and KE 1RM muscle strength increased similarly in both groups asa result of the training ( P < .001 ) , LP peak power increased significantly more in HI than in LO ( 267 W vs 139 W , P < .001 ) . Furthermore , HI result ed in a significantly greater improvement in LP power at 40 % , 50 % , 60%,70 % , 80 % , and 90 % of the 1 RM than did LO ( P < .05 ) . CONCLUSIONS HI improved 1RM strength similarly and was more effective in improving peak power than was traditional LO in older women . Improvements in lower extremity peak power may exert a greater influence on age-associated reductions in physical functioning than other exercise interventions Background . Aged-related loss of afferent feedback of the feet plays an important role in gait performance . Although strength , balance and gait training can significantly improve the muscle power and functional abilities of older individuals , it remains unclear whether training effects can be enhanced by augmenting afferent feedback from the feet adding shoe insoles complementary to conventional training . Objective . The current study investigated the effect of physical exercise combined with wearing MedReflex ® shoe insoles on the gait performance and muscle power in older adults . Methods . Twenty-eight independent living , older adults aged 65–91 years were r and omly assigned to either an insole group ( IG ; n = 14 ) or a training group ( TG ; n = 14 ) . Further 14 subjects matched to the IG and TG were recruited as a control group ( CG ; n = 14 ) ( no exercise ) . The IG and TG completed the same training program consisting of aerobic exercises , progressive resistance strength training and stretching exercises twice per week for 12 weeks , whereas , the IG wore the insoles during everyday life and during training sessions . Assessment s included the Falls Efficacy Scale – International ( FES-I ) , gait analysis and muscle power measurements of the knee and ankle joint at pre- and post-training . Results . There were significant time × group interactions in walking speed , step length and in several muscle power measurements . The positive effects of gait parameters ranged between 1 % and 12 % and between 1 % and 8 % and the trend to improvements of muscle power ranged between 15–79 % and 20–79 % for the IG and TG , respectively . The IG and TG did not differ significantly in their improvements . The CG showed a trend to deteriorations between 0 % and −5 % for gait parameters and between −4 % and −14 % for muscle power . No significant change in FES-I score occurred in neither groups . Conclusions . The results of this study provide evidence of significant improvements in gait performance and muscle power after a conventional training program in independent living , older adults . However , there is no additional effect of long-term adaptation of gait caused by wearing insoles concurrent to physical training The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of simple , progressive lower body exercise training , focusing on strength and power , on functional abilities in frail older adults . Twenty-five residents of a long-term care facility ( 75 - 94 yrs ) participated in this r and omized controlled trial of 10-wks duration . The exercise group ( Ex , n = 18 ) underwent simple , progressive lower body resistance exercises , specifically aim ed at improving muscle power , 3 times/wk ; the control subjects ( Con , n = 7 ) maintained their usual daily activities . Knee extensor strength and power were measured on an isokinetic dynamometer ( 180 degrees/s ) , and functional performance was assessed from a 6-m walk timed test , a 30-s chair st and , and an 8-ft up- and -go timed test , before and after the 10-wk intervention period . Significant increases were found in the Ex group for eccentric ( 44 % ) and concentric ( 60 % ) average power ( p < 0.05 ) , and improvements were seen on each functional test : the 8-foot up- and -go , chair st and , and walk time improved by 31 % , 66 % , and 33 % , respectively ( p < 0.05 ) . No significant change occurred in the Con group . In conclusion , simple progressive exercise training , even in the 10th decade , increases muscle power and is associated with an improved performance of functional activities using the trained muscles Abstract Ni , M and Signorile , JF . High-speed resistance training modifies load-velocity and load-power relationships in Parkinson 's disease . J Strength Cond Res 31(10 ) : 2866–2875 , 2017—Muscle power is a major neuromuscular factor affecting motor function and independence in patients with Parkinson 's disease ( PD ) , and it is commonly targeted using high-speed exercise . This study examined the changes in velocities ( Vpp ) and percent loads ( % 1RMpp ) at peak power and load-velocity ( L-V ) and load-power ( L-P ) relationships , result ing from resistance training because of exercise choice and loading in older patients with PD . Fourteen older adults with mild to moderate PD participated in a 12-week r and omized controlled power training trial . Changes in L-V and L-P relationships for the biceps curl , chest press , leg press , hip abduction , and seated calf were assessed using pneumatic resistance machines at loads ranging from 30 through 90 % of subjects ' 1 repetition maximum for each exercise . Significant increases in Vpp were seen for biceps curl , leg press , hip abduction , and seated calf and decreases in % 1RMpp were noted for biceps curl and hip abduction . Additionally , unique patterns of change were seen in these relationships across exercises , with biceps curl , chest press , and leg press showing the greatest shifts at the lower load end of the loading spectrum , and hip abduction and seated calf showing greatest responses at the higher end . The patterns of change in L-V and L-P relationships provide evidence for the unique responses of the specific muscle groups and joints to the exercises evaluated and offer a framework for more exacting exercise prescriptions in patients with PD Abstract Sayers , SP and Gibson , K. High-speed power training in older adults : A shift of the external resistance at which peak power is produced . J Strength Cond Res 28(3 ) : 616–621 , 2014— Studies have shown that power training increases peak power ( PP ) in older adults . Evaluating the external resistance ( % 1 repetition maximum [ 1RM ] ) at which PP is developed is critical given that changes in the components of PP ( force and velocity ) are dependent on the % 1RM at which PP occurs . The purpose of this study was to compare the changes in PP ( and the external resistance at which PP occurred ) after 12 weeks of high-speed power training ( HSPT ) vs. traditional slow-speed strength training ( SSST ) .  Seventy-two older men and women were r and omized to HSPT at 40 % of the 1RM ( HSPT : n = 24 [ 70.8 ± 6.8 years ] ) ; traditional resistance training at 80 % 1RM ( SSST : n = 22 [ 68.6 ± 7.8 years ] ) ; or control ( CON : n = 18 [ 71.5 ± 6.1 years ] ) . Measures of muscle performance were obtained at baseline and after the 12-week training intervention . Changes in muscle power and 1RM strength improved similarly with both HSPT and SSST , but HSPT shifted the external resistance at which PP was produced to a lower external resistance ( from 67 % 1RM to 52 % 1RM ) compared with SSST ( from 65 % 1RM to 62 % 1RM ) ( p ⩽ 0.05 ) , thus increasing the velocity component of PP ( change : HSPT = 0.18 ± 0.21 m·s−1 ; SSST = −0.03 ± 0.15 m·s−1 ) ( p ⩽ 0.05 ) . Because sufficient speed of the lower limb is necessary for functional tasks related to safety ( crossing a busy intersection , fall prevention ) , HSPT should be implemented in older adults to improve power at lower external resistances , thus increasing the velocity component of power and making older adults safer in their environment . These data provide clinicians with the necessary information to tailor exercise programs to the individual needs of the older adult , affecting the components of power ABSTRACT Background Sarcopenic obesity is associated with disability in older people , especially in women .  Resistance exercises are recommended for this population , but their efficacy is not clear . Objective To evaluate the effects of a progressive resistance exercise program with high-speed component on the physical function of older women with sarcopenic obesity . Method Twenty-eight women 65 to 80 years old , with a body mass index ≥30kg/m2 and h and grip strength ≤21 kg were r and omly allocated to two groups . The experimental group underwent a 10-week resistance exercise program design ed to improve strength , power , and endurance of lower-limb muscles , with open chain and closed chain exercises . The control group had their health status monitored through telephone calls . The primary outcomes were lower limb muscle performance measured by knee extensor strength , power and fatigue by isokinetic dynamometry , and mobility measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery and by gait velocity . The secondary outcome was health-related quality of life assessed by the SF-36 Question naire . Results The average rate of adherence was 85 % , with few mild adverse effects . There were no significant between-group differences for any of the outcomes . Conclusion In this study , a progressive resistance exercise program with high-speed component was not effective for improving the physical function of older women with sarcopenic obesity OBJECTIVES To evaluate weighted stair climbing exercise ( SCE ) as a means of increasing lower extremity muscle power in mobility-limited older people . DESIGN Single-blinded , r and omized controlled pilot study . SETTING Human physiology laboratory of a metropolitan university . PARTICIPANTS Forty-five community-dwelling people aged 65 and older who had baseline mobility limitations manifested by scores of 11 or lower on the Short Physical Performance Battery ( SPPB ) . INTERVENTIONS Subjects were r and omized into one of two 12-week exercise programs . The intervention group ( SCE ) ( n = 23 ) ascended and descended stairs , at a set pace , while wearing a weighted vest . The control group ( WALK ) ( n = 22 ) participated in a st and ardized walking program . MEASUREMENTS Primary and secondary outcomes included measures of muscle power and strength , submaximal aerobic capacity , and physical performance . RESULTS SCE produced 17 % improvement in double leg press peak power in comparison with WALK ( P = .013 ) and significant improvement in stair climbing power from baseline ( 12 % ) . Improvement in submaximal aerobic performance was equivalent for both groups . Although not statistically significant , effect size estimates suggest that SCE can potentially influence knee extension power and strength . Stair climb time was improved in both groups , whereas SCE produced significant improvements from baseline SPPB score in a subcohort of participants . CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that SCE maybe a useful component of a home exercise program design ed to enhance lower extremity muscle power , aerobic capacity , and functional performance . Further investigation is needed involving larger sample sizes and direct comparisons with other forms of resistance training Background Addressing muscle deficits within a multi-component exercise fall reduction program is a priority , especially for the highest risk older adults , i.e. , those who have fallen previously .  Eccentric resistance exercise with its high-force producing potential , at a low energetic cost , may be ideally-suited to address muscle impairments in this population . The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of resistance exercise via negative , eccentrically-induced , work ( RENEW ) versus traditional ( TRAD ) resistance exercise on mobility , balance confidence , muscle power and cross sectional area , as well as the number of days high fall risk older adults survived without a fall event over a 1 year period . Methods R and omized , two group , four time point ( over 1 year ) clinical trial testing RENEW versus TRAD as part of a 3 month multi-component exercise fall reduction program ( MCEFRP ) . Primary outcomes of mobility , balance confidence , muscle power output and cross sectional area were analyzed using mixed effects modeling . The secondary outcomes of days to fall and days to near-fall were analyzed using survival analysis . Results The MCEFRP did have an effect on fall risk factors considered reversible with exercise interventions though there was no differential effect of RENEW versus TRAD ( p = 0.896 ) on mobility , balance confidence , muscle power and cross sectional area . There were also no group differences in the number of days survived without a fall ( p = 0.565 ) or near-fall ( p = 0.678 ) . Despite 100 % of participants having at least one fall in the year prior to the MCEFRP , however , after 3 months of exercise and 9 months of follow-up < 50 % had experienced a fall or near fall . Conclusions There were no differential effects of RENEW or TRAD as components of a MCEFRP on the primary or secondary outcomes . The two modes of resistance exercise had identical effects on fall risk and fall-free survival . Trial registration NCT01080196 ; March 2 , 2010 ( retrospectively registered ) Multimodal exercise programs incorporating traditional progressive resistance training ( PRT ) , weight-bearing impact training and /or balance training are recommended to reduce risk factors for falls and fracture . However , muscle power , or the ability to produce force rapidly , has emerged as a more crucial variable to functional decline than muscle strength or mass . The aim of this 12-month community-based r and omized controlled trial , termed Osteo-cise : Strong Bones for Life , was to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of a multimodal exercise program incorporating high-velocity (HV)-PRT , combined with an osteoporosis education and behavioral change program , on bone mineral density ( BMD ) , body composition , muscle strength and functional muscle performance in older adults . Falls incidence was evaluated as a secondary outcome . A total of 162 older adults ( mean ± SD ; 67 ± 6 years ) with risk factors for falls and /or low BMD were r and omized to the Osteo-cise program ( n = 81 ) or a control group ( n = 81 ) . Exercise consisted of fitness center-based HV-PRT , weight-bearing impact and challenging balance/mobility activities performed three times weekly . After 12 months , the Osteo-cise program led to modest but significant net gains in femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD ( 1.0 % to 1.1 % , p < 0.05 ) , muscle strength ( 10 % to 13 % , p < 0.05 ) , functional muscle power ( Timed Stair Climb , 5 % , p < 0.05 ) and dynamic balance ( Four Square Step Test 6 % , p < 0.01 ; Sit-to-St and , 16 % , p < 0.001 ) relative to controls . There was no effect on total body lean mass or mobility ( timed-up- and -go ) , and no difference in falls rate ( incidence rate ratio [ IRR ] , 1.22 ; 95 % confidence interval [ CI ] , 0.72 - 2.04 ) . In conclusion , this study demonstrates that the Osteo-cise : Strong Bones for Life community-based , multimodal exercise program represents an effective approach to improve multiple musculoskeletal and functional performance measures in older adults with risk factors for falls and /or low BMD . Although this did not translate into a reduction in the rate of falls , further large-scale trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of this multimodal approach on reducing falls and fracture BACKGROUND Aging is associated with decline in physical function that could result in the development of physical impairment and disability . Hence , interventions that simultaneously challenge balance ability , trunk ( core ) and extremity strength of older adults could be particularly effective in preserving and enhancing these physical functions . OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of feedback-based balance and core resistance training utilizing the a special computer-controlled device ( Huber ® ) with the conventional Pilates training on balance ability , neuromuscular function and body composition of healthy older women . METHODS Thirty-four older women ( age : 70±4 years ) were r and omly assigned to a  Huber group ( n=17 ) or Pilates group  ( n=17 ) . Both groups trained for 8 weeks , 3 times a week . Maximal isometric strength of the trunk flexors , extensors , and lateral flexors , leg power , upper-body strength , single- and dual-task static balance , and body composition were measured before and after the intervention programs . RESULTS Significant group × time interactions and main effects of time ( p<0.05 ) were found for body composition , balance ability in st and ard and dual-task conditions , all trunk muscle strength variables , and leg power in favor of the Huber group . The observed improvements in balance ability under both st and ard and dual-task conditions in the Huber group were mainly the result of enhanced postural control in medial-lateral direction ( p<0.05 ) . CONCLUSION Feedback-based balance and core resistance training proved to be more effective in improving single- and dual-task balance ability , trunk muscle strength , leg power , and body composition of healthy older women than the traditional Pilates training BACKGROUND Age-related decline in muscle power may be an early indicator of balance deficits and fall risk , even in nonfrail adults . This study examined the dose-dependent effect of power training on balance performance in healthy older adults . METHODS One hundred twelve community-dwelling healthy older adults ( 69 + /- 6 years ) were r and omized to 8 - 12 weeks of power training at 20 % ( LOW ) , 50 % ( MED ) , or 80 % ( HIGH ) of maximal strength , or a nontraining control ( CON ) group . Participants trained twice weekly ( five exercises ; three sets of eight rapid concentric/slow eccentric repetitions ) using pneumatic resistance machines .  Balance , muscle performance ( strength , power , endurance , contraction velocity ) , and body composition were measured . RESULTS Power training significantly improved balance performance ( p = .006 ) in participants who underwent power training compared to controls . Low intensity power training produced the greatest improvement in balance performance ( p = .048 ) . Average contraction velocity at low load ( 40 % one repetition maximum [ 1RM ] ) at baseline independently predicted improvement in balance following training ( r = -.29 , p = .004 ) . CONCLUSIONS Power training improves balance , particularly using a low load , high velocity regimen , in older adults with initial lower muscle power and slower contraction . Further studies are warranted to define the mechanisms underlying this adaptation , as well as the optimum power training intensity for a range of physiological and clinical outcomes in older adults with varying levels of health status and functional independence PURPOSE To compare the effects of the 16-wk training period ( 2 d.wk(-1 ) ) of resistance training alone ( S ) , endurance training alone ( E ) , or combined resistance ( once weekly ) and endurance ( once weekly ) training ( SE ) on muscle mass , maximal strength and power of the leg and arm extensor muscles , and maximal workload ( Wmax ) by using a incremental cycling test in older men . METHODS Thirty-one healthy men ( 65 - 74 yr ) were divided into three treatment groups to train 2x wk(-1 ) for 16 wk : S ( N = 10 ) , E ( N = 11 ) , or SE ( N = 10 ; 1x wk(-1 ) S + 1x wk(-1 ) E ) . The subjects were tested at 8-wk intervals ( i.e. , weeks 8 and 16 ) . RESULTS There were no significant differences between  S- and SE-induced muscle hypertrophy ( 11 % and 11 % ) and maximal strength ( 41 % and 38 % ) gains of the legs as well as between E- and SE-induced Wmax ( 28 % and 23 % ) gains . The increase in arm strength in S ( 36 % ) was greater than that recorded in SE ( 22 % ) and greater than that recorded in E ( 0 % ) . CONCLUSIONS Prolonged combined resistance and endurance training in older men seemed to lead to similar gains in muscle mass , maximal strength , and power of the legs as resistance training alone and to similar gains in maximal peak power output measured in an incremental cycling test as endurance training alone . These findings may have an effect on how resistance exercise is prescribed to older adults BACKGROUND Whey protein supplementation may augment resistance exercise-induced increases in muscle strength and mass . Further studies are required to determine whether this effect extends to mobility-limited older adults . The objectives of the study were to compare the effects of whey protein concentrate ( WPC ) supplementation to an isocaloric control on changes in whole-body lean mass , mid-thigh muscle cross-sectional area , muscle strength , and stair-climbing performance in older mobility-limited adults in response to 6 months of resistance training ( RT ) . METHODS Eighty mobility-limited adults aged 70 - 85 years were r and omized to receive WPC ( 40g/day ) or an isocaloric control for 6 months . All participants also completed a progressive high-intensity RT intervention . Sample sizes were calculated based on the primary outcome of change in whole-body lean mass to give 80 % power for a 0.05-level , two-sided test . RESULTS Lean mass increased 1.3 % and 0.6 % in the WPC and control groups , respectively . Muscle cross-sectional area was increased 4.6 % and 2.9 % in the WPC and control groups , respectively , and muscle strength increased 16%-50 % in WPC and control groups . Stair-climbing performance also improved in both groups . However , there were no statistically significant differences in the change in any of these variables between groups . CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that WPC supplementation at this dose does not offer additional benefit to the effects of RT in mobility-limited older adults Background and aims : This study investigated whether high-velocity high-power training ( POW )  improved lower extremity muscle power and quality in functionally-limited elders greater than traditional slow-velocity progressive resistance training ( STR ) . Methods : Fifty-seven community-dwelling older adults aged 74.2±7 ( range 65–94 yrs ) , Short Physical Performance Battery score 7.7±1.4 , were r and omized to either POW ( n=23 ) ( 12 females ) , STR ( n=22 ) ( 13 females ) or a control group of lower extremity stretching ( CON ) ( n=12 ) ( 6 females ) . Training was performed three times per week for 12 weeks and subjects completed three sets of double leg press and knee extension exercises at 70 % of the one repetition maximum ( 1RM ) . Outcome measures included 1RM strength and peak power ( PP ) . Total leg lean mass was determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to estimate specific strength and specific PP . Results : During training , power output was consistently higher in POW compared to STR for knee extension ( ∼2.3-fold ) and leg press ( ∼2.8-fold ) exercises ( p<0.01 ) . Despite this , PP and specific PP of the knee extensors increased similarly from baseline in POW and STR compared to CON ( p<0.01 ) , and no significant time-group interaction occurred for PP of the leg extensors . However , gains in leg press specific PP were significantly greater in POW compared to both STR and CON ( p<0.05 ) . Total leg lean mass did not change within any group . Conclusions : A short-term intervention of high-velocity power training and traditional slow-velocity progressive resistance training yielded similar increases of lower extremity power in the mobility-impaired elderly . Neuromuscular adaptations to power training , rather than skeletal muscle hypertrophy , may have facilitated the improvements in muscle quality . Additional studies are warranted to test the efficacy of power training in older individuals with compromised physical functioning UNLABELLED Power-based resistance training ( PWT ) , using low load and high velocity , can improve physical function and quality of life in older persons . Patients with Parkinson 's disease ( PD ) , exhibiting muscular weakness and reduced movement speed , have been shown to be benefit from resistance training ; however , little is known about the advantages of PWT for PD . PURPOSE To evaluate the effects of PWT on bradykinesia and muscular performance in older patients with PD . METHODS Twenty-six patients with mild to moderate PD were r and omly assigned to a PWT or control group ( CON ) . The PWT program was three months , incorporating two sessions/wk of high-speed resistance training combined balance and agility drills . Outcome measures included : upper and lower limb bradykinesia scores , one repetition maximums ( 1RM ) and peak powers on biceps curl , chest press , leg press , hip abduction and seated calf , and quality of life ( PDQ-39 ) . RESULTS The PWT group produced significant improvement in both upper and lower limbs bradykinesia scores , 1RM and muscle peak power ( p < .05 ) , which surpassed the CON group except for power during the seated calf exercise . No significant correlations between changes in clinical measure of bradykinesia and muscle peak power were observed after training . Significant improvements were seen in the PDQ-39 overall score , subsections for mobility , activities of daily living and social support for the PWT group . CONCLUSION The 3-month PWT program significantly reduced bradykinesia and increased muscle strength and power in older patients with PD . Power training is an effective training modality to improve physical function and quality of life for PD
Finally , muscle power testing was found to be safe in older people with a broad range of health and functional states
Background Muscle power has been proposed to be the primary therapeutic target for resistance training interventions aim ed at enhancing physical function in older adults .
However , no recommendations exist on ideal testing protocol s to assess muscle power in older adults , and the safety of this procedure has not been adequately evaluated in the literature .
Methods A systematic review was conducted to identify studies evaluating muscle power exerted by older people in resistance exercises through May 2017 .