A Comparison of High-Speed Power Training and Traditional Slow-Speed Resistance Training in Older Men and Women Strength versus muscle power-specific resistance training in community-dwelling older adults. Effect of power-training intensity on the contribution of force and velocity to peak power in older adults. Velocity training induces power-specific adaptations in highly functioning older adults. Velocity specificity, combination training and sport specific tasks. Power training improves balance in healthy older adults. Effects of high- and low-velocity resistance training on the contractile properties of skeletal muscle fibers from young and older humans. Increased Velocity Exercise Specific to Task (InVEST) training: a pilot study exploring effects on leg power, balance, and mobility in community-dwelling older women. Differential Adaptations of Muscle Architecture to High-Velocity Versus Traditional Strength Training in Cerebral Palsy Effects of High- and Low-Velocity Resistance Training on Gait Kinematics and Kinetics in Individuals with Hip Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial Lower extremity power training in elderly subjects with mobility limitations: a randomized controlled trial Maximal strength-training effects on force-velocity and force-power relationships explain increases in aerobic performance in humans Strength training at high versus low external resistance in older adults: Effects on muscle volume, muscle strength, and force–velocity characteristics Power training induced change in bradykinesia and muscle power in Parkinson's disease. The effect of muscle stimulation during resistive training on performance parameters Changes in Function and Disability After Resistance Training: Does Velocity Matter?: A Pilot Study The effect of a 12-week dynamic resistance strength training program on gait velocity and balance of older adults. Effects of resistive and balance exercises on isokinetic strength in older persons. Comparison of In-Season-Specific Resistance vs. A Regular Throwing Training Program on Throwing Velocity, Anthropometry, and Power Performance in Elite Handball Players Differential increases in average isokinetic power by specific muscle groups of older women due to variations in training and testing. Comparative effects of light or heavy resistance power training for improving lower extremity power and physical performance in mobility-limited older adults. Effect of movement velocity during resistance training on neuromuscular performance. Specificity of training velocity and training load on gains in isokinetic knee joint strength.
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 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 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 r and omized 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 OBJECTIVE To test the efficacy of high-velocity training in healthy older persons . DESIGN A 12-week r and omized trial , with subjects blocked for gender and residence , comparing high-velocity resistance training with a self-paced walking program . SETTING Retirement community . PARTICIPANTS Forty-three volunteers over the age of 70 years . INTERVENTION Power group : high-velocity leg exercises 3 times weekly with weekly increases in resistance combined with 45 minutes of moderate , nonresistance exercise weekly . Walking group : moderate intensity exercise 30 minutes daily , 6 days weekly . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Variables measured included leg press peak power and leg extensor strength . Functional performance outcomes included : 6-minute walk distance , Short Physical Performance Battery , Physical Performance Test , and Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form Health Survey . RESULTS Peak power improved 22 % ( p = .004 ) in the power group ( 3.7 + /- 1.0 W/kg to 4.5 + /- 1.4 W/kg ) but did not change in the walking group ( 3.99 + /-.76 W/kg to 3.65 + /-.94 W/kg ) . Leg extensor power at resistance of 50 % , 60 % , and 70 % of body weight increased 50 % , 77 % , and 141 % , respectively , in the power group ( p < .0001 , repeated- measures analysis of variance ) . Strength improved 22 % in the power-trained individuals and 12 % in the walkers ( p < .0001 ) . Training did not improve functional task performance in either group . One subject developed a radiculopathy during training . CONCLUSIONS Resistance training focusing on speed of movement improved leg power and maximal strength substantially , but did not improve functional performance in healthy high-functioning older volunteers Whether velocity-specific resistance training is important for improving functional sporting performance was investigated by study ing the effect of isoinertial training velocity on netball chest pass throwing velocity . Twenty-one female netball players were r and omly assigned to a strength-trained group ( 80 % 1RM - average training velocity = .308 m/s ) , power-trained group ( 60 % 1RM - average training velocity = .398 m/s ) and a control group . Resistance training was combined with sport specific motion training for both groups over a ten-week training duration . Pre- and post-training testing revealed that the training velocity associated with the strength-trained group produced significantly greater improvement in mean volume of weight lifted ( 85 kg ) and mean power output ( 13.25 W ) as compared to the power and control groups ( P < 0.05 ) . The strength-trained and power-trained groups significantly improved netball throw velocity by 12.4 % and 8.8 % respectively . There was no significant difference between the two groups . The validity of velocity-specific training and subsequent adaptations to improve functional sporting performance appears highly question able , due to the disparity between training velocity and actual movement velocity ( 11.38 m x s(-1 ) ) for a given sport specific task such as the netball throw it was proposed that the repeated intent to move an isoinertial load as rapidly as possible coupled with performance of the sport-specific movement promote efficient coordination and activation patterns . Such mechanisms might be more important determinants of sport-specific high velocity adaptation 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 A two-arm , prospect i ve , r and omized , controlled trial study was conducted to investigate the effects of movement velocity during progressive resistance training ( PRT ) on the size and contractile properties of individual fibers from human vastus lateralis muscles . The effects of age and sex were examined by a design that included 63 subjects organized into four groups : young ( 20 - 30 yr ) men and women , and older ( 65 - 80 yr ) men and women . In each group , one-half of the subjects underwent a traditional PRT protocol that involved shortening contractions at low velocities against high loads , while the other half performed a modified PRT protocol that involved contractions at 3.5 times higher velocity against reduced loads . Muscles were sample d by needle biopsy before and after the 14-wk PRT program , and functional tests were performed on permeabilized individual fiber segments isolated from the biopsies . We tested the hypothesis that , compared with low-velocity PRT , high-velocity PRT results in a greater increase in the cross-sectional area , force , and power of type 2 fibers . Both types of PRT increased the cross-sectional area , force , and power of type 2 fibers by 8 - 12 % , independent of the sex or age of the subject . Contrary to our hypothesis , the velocity at which the PRT was performed did not affect the fiber-level outcomes substantially . We conclude that , compared with low-velocity PRT , resistance training performed at velocities up to 3.5 times higher against reduced loads is equally effective for eliciting an adaptive response in type 2 fibers from human skeletal muscle OBJECTIVES To evaluate a dynamic form of weighted vest exercise suitable for home use and design ed to enhance muscle power , balance , and mobility . DESIGN A single-blind , r and omized , controlled trial . SETTING Outpatient exercise research facility situated within an academic long-term care center . PARTICIPANTS Twenty-one community-dwelling women aged 70 and older with a Short Physical Performance Battery ( SPPB ) score between 4 and 10 ( out of 12 ) . INTERVENTIONS Subjects were r and omized into a progressive resistance-training program using weighted vests for resistance with exercises design ed to be specific to mobility tasks and have a component performed at the fastest possible velocity ( Increased Velocity Exercise Specific to Task ( InVEST ) , n=11 ) or a control exercise group ( control , n=10 ) , which performed slow-velocity , low-resistance exercise . Both groups exercised three times a week for 12 weeks . MEASUREMENTS Changes in muscle power , balance , and physical performance were compared . RESULTS In comparison to control group , InVEST group manifested significant improvements ( P<.05 ) in leg power across measurements obtained at 75 % to 90 % of the one-repetition maximum . Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in chair st and and SPPB score from baseline , and the InVEST group showed significant improvements in gait speed and chair st and from baseline ( P<.05 ) . InVEST produced significantly greater changes in chair st and time than control ( P<.05 ) . CONCLUSION InVEST training appears be an effective means of enhancing leg power and chair rise in this population and is worthy of further investigation as a means of enhancing balance and mobility Background . Everyday activities for youth with cerebral palsy ( CP ) require muscle power , but the velocity component of muscle contraction is neglected with traditional strength training ( ST ) . Objective . To determine whether velocity training ( VT ) , which includes resistance training at increasingly higher velocities , would induce specific muscle adaptations not observed with ST . Methods . Sixteen ambulatory youth with CP were r and omized to VT or ST . Participants trained the knee extensors 3 times per week for 24 sessions on a Biodex dynamometer . At each session , 6 sets of 5 concentric repetitions were performed either at 30 deg/s ( ST group ) or progressively higher velocities from 30 deg/s to 120 deg/s ( VT group ) . Outcomes included muscle architecture , power , strength , walking speed , and functional walking performance . Results . A significant increase in rectus femoris fascicle length was observed after VT with a decrease after ST . Rectus femoris cross-sectional area increased in both groups . Both showed significant increases in isokinetic strength at all tested speeds ; however , peak velocity and power improved after VT only . Self-selected and fast walking speed and functional walking performance improved after VT only . Conclusions . Muscle architecture in CP is capable of adapting differentially to the training stimulus . VT was equally effective as traditional ST in improving isokinetic strength of the knee extensors but more effective in improving velocity of movement , muscle power , and walking performance . Differences may be partially attributed to specificity of training effects on muscle architecture , such as the increase in fascicle length after VT . Strengthening interventions involving higher velocity movements should be incorporated into clinical practice Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of high-velocity ( HV ) and low-velocity ( LV ) resistance training on gait kinematics and kinetics in patients with hip osteoarthritis . Design This was a single-blind , r and omized controlled trial . Forty-six women with hip osteoarthritis were r and omly allocated to the HV ( n = 23 ) or LV ( n = 23 ) training group . The participants underwent an 8-week home-based the HV or LV resistance-training program , involving the hip and knee muscles . Outcome measures included gait kinematics and kinetics using 3-dimensional analyses , muscle strength and power , the Harris Hip Score , and hip pain using the visual analog scale . Results There was no significant difference in changes for any of the outcome measures between groups . After the training session , muscle power , walking speed , and cadence significantly increased only in the HV group , whereas stride length and the peak hip extension angle during gait significantly increased , and pain on the visual analog scale and the peak ankle dorsiflexion moment during gait significantly decreased only in the LV group . Muscle strength and Harris Hip Score significantly increased in both groups . Conclusions The results of this study may indicate that the potential effect of resistance training on abnormal gait pattern depends on movement velocities during training 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 Abstract . Maximal strength-training with an emphasis on maximal mobilization during cross-country skiing increases exercise economy when double-poling . The aim of this experiment was to investigate whether the mechanism of this increase is a change in the force-velocity relationship and the mechanical power output . A group of 19 cross-country skiers having an average peak oxygen uptake of 255 ml·kg–0.67 body mass·min–1 or 61 ml·kg–1·min–1 were r and omly assigned to either a  high resistance-training group ( n=10 ) or a  control group ( n=9 )  . Upper body endurance was tested on a ski ergometer . The high-resistance-training group trained for 15 min on three occasions a week for 9 weeks . Training consisted of three series of five repetitions using 85 % of one repetition maximum ( 1RM ) , with emphasis on high velocity in the concentric part of the movement . Upper body exercise economy , 1RM and time to exhaustion increased significantly in the high resistance-training group , but was unchanged in the control group . Peak power and the velocities for a given load increased significantly , except for the two lowest loads . We conclude that the increased exercise economy after a period of upper body high resistance-training can be partly explained by a specific change in the force-velocity relationship and the mechanical power output Muscle adaptations can be induced by high-resistance exercise . Despite being potentially more suitable for older adults , low-resistance exercise protocol s have been less investigated . We compared the effects of high- and low-resistance training on muscle volume , muscle strength , and force-velocity characteristics . Fifty-six older adults were r and omly assigned to 12 weeks of leg press and leg extension training at either HIGH ( 2 × 10 - 15 repetitions at 80 % of one repetition maximum ( 1RM ) ) , LOW ( 1 × 80 - 100 repetitions at 20 % of 1RM ) , or LOW+ ( 1 × 60 repetitions at 20 % of 1RM , followed by 1 × 10 - 20 repetitions at 40 % of 1RM ) . All protocol s ended with muscle failure . Leg press and leg extension of 1RM  were measured at baseline and post intervention and before the first training session in weeks 5 and 9 . At baseline and post intervention , muscle volume ( MV ) was measured by CT-scan . A Biodex dynamometer evaluated knee extensor static peak torque in different knee angles ( PT(stat90 ° ) , PT(stat120 ° ) , PT(stat150 ° ) ) , dynamic peak torque at different speeds ( PT(dyn60 ° s)(-1 ) , PT(dyn180 ° s)(-1 ) , PT(dyn240 ° s)(-1 ) ) , and speed of movement at 20 % ( S20 ) , 40 % ( S40 ) , and 60 % ( S60 ) of PTstat90 ° . HIGH and LOW+ result ed in greater improvements in 1RM strength than LOW ( p<0.05 ) . These differences were already apparent after week 5 . Similar gains were found between groups in MV , PT(stat ) , PT(dyn60 ° s)(-1 ) , and PT(dyn180 ° s)(-1 ) . No changes were reported in speed of movement . HIGH tended to improve PT(dyn240 ° s)(-1 ) more than LOW or LOW+ ( p=0.064 ) . In conclusion , high- and low-resistance exercises ending with muscle failure may be similarly effective for hypertrophy . High-resistance training led to a higher increase in 1RM strength  than low-resistance training ( 20 % of 1RM ) , but this difference disappeared when using a mixed low-resistance protocol in which the resistance was intensified within a single exercise set ( 40 % of 1RM ) . Our findings support the need for more research on  low-resistance programs in older age , in particular long-term training studies and studies focusing on residual effects after training cessation 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 This study compared changes in movement velocity , force , and work from  bilateral quadriceps muscle stim ulation during  resistive squatting exercise  to identical exercise without stimulation . Both the group undergo ing resistive training over 24 sessions ( N = 9 ) and the group receiving the same treatment in conjunction with stimulation during the last 12 sessions ( N = 9 ) showed significant improvements in measures of movement velocity , force , total work , power , sprint time , and ver tical jump distance when compared to a control group receiving no treatment ( N = 9 ) . All subjects were base line tested and tested at 3 , 6 , and 7 week intervals . Both experimental groups improved significantly for all measures , but the electrical stimulation group did not produce more significant changes overall than those with resistive training alone . However , when compared to control measures , the effect of electrical stimulation- augmented responses among some measures was more pronounced than the effect of resistive training alone Sayers SP , Bean J , Cuoco A , LeBrasseur NK , Jette A , Fielding RA : Changes in function and disability after resistance training : Does velocity matter ? A pilot study . Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2003;82:605–613 . Objective To compare the effects of high- and low-velocity resistance training on functional performance and disability outcomes in physically limited older women . Design A total of 16 wk of high-velocity resistance training or traditional low-velocity resistance training consisting of knee extension and leg press exercises was performed three times per week by 30 women with self-reported disability to compare their effect on functional performance and disability . Tests of dynamic balance , stair-climb time , chair-rise time , and gait velocity were used to assess changes in functional performance . Changes in disability were assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form . Results Dynamic balance and stair-climb time improved 8 % and 10 % , respectively , with training . Self-reported disability , physical functioning , role physical , and mental health improved 11 , 9 , and 5 % with training , respectively . There were no significant differences between high- and low-velocity training groups . Conclusions High- and low-velocity training achieved similar improvements in functional performance and disability . Improvements in functional performance and disability were modest compared with robust increases in strength and power . Specific modes of training or behavioral strategies may be necessary to optimize improvements in these outcomes This study tested whether a 12-week dynamic resistance strength training program can change gait velocity and improve measures of balance among adults age 65 and older . Fifty-five community-dwelling adults ( mean age = 71.1 ) were r and omized into an exercise ( n = 25 ) or control ( n = 30 ) group . The exercisers were requested to complete three bouts of strength training per week for 12 weeks using elastic tubing . At posttest the exercisers demonstrated slower gait velocity , enhanced balance , and an improved ability to walk backward , although none of these posttest measures was significantly different from the control group OBJECTIVE To determine the safety and efficacy of 3 months of resistive training of multiple lower extremity muscle groups compared with balance training in persons over 75 years . DESIGN R and omized 3-month clinical trial . Subjects ( n = 110 , mean age 80 ) were r and omized to 4 groups in a 2 x 2 design ( control , resistive , balance , combined resistive/balance ) . INTERVENTIONS Resistive training involved knee extension and flexion , hip abduction and extension , and plantar and dorsiflexion using simple resistive machines and s and bags . Balance training consisted of exercises to improve postural control . The control group attended 5 health-related discussion sessions . MEASUREMENTS Summed isokinetic moments ( N m ) of 8 leg movements : hip , knee and ankle flexion/extension , and hip abduction/adduction . Secondary outcomes were gait velocity and chair rise time . MAIN RESULTS Summed peak moment increased in both resistive exercise-trained groups ( 13 % increase in the resistive group and 21 % in the combined training group , P < 0.001 ) . The effect of resistance training was significant ( MANOVA F = 21.1 , P < 0.001 ) , but balance training did not improve strength , and there was no interaction ( positive or negative ) between balance and resistive training . Maximal gait velocity and chair rise time did not improve . Eleven subjects ( 20 % ) had musculoskeletal complaints related to resistive training , but all were able to complete the program with modifications . CONCLUSION Resistive training using simple equipment is an effective and acceptable method to increase overall leg strength in older persons .  Resistive or balance training did not improve maximal gait velocity or chair rise time in this sample of relatively healthy older persons Abstract Hermassi , S , van den Tillaar , R , Khlifa , R , Chelly , MS , and Chamari , K. Comparison of in-season-specific resistance vs. a regular throwing training program on throwing velocity , anthropometry , and power performance in elite h and ball players . J Strength Cond Res 29(8 ) : 2105–2114 , 2015—The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of a specific resistance training program ( throwing movement with a medicine ball ) with that of regular training ( throwing with regular balls ) on ball velocity , anthropometry , maximal upper-body strength , and power .  Thirty-four elite male team h and ball players ( age : 18 ± 0.5 years , body mass : 80.6 ± 5.5 kg , height : 1.80 ± 5.1 m , body fat : 13.4 ± 0.6 % ) were r and omly assigned to 1 of the 3 groups : control ( n = 10 ) , resistance training group ( n = 12 ) , or regular throwing training group ( n = 12 ) . Over the 8-week in season , the athletes performed 3 times per week according to an assigned training program alongside their normal team h and ball training . One repetition maximum ( 1RM ) bench press and 1RM pullover scores assessed maximal arm strength . Anthropometry was assessed by body mass , fat percentage , and muscle volumes of upper body . H and ball throwing velocity was measured by a st and ing throw , a throw with run , and a jump throw . Power was measured by measuring total distance thrown by a 3-kg medicine ball overhead throw . Throwing ball velocity , maximal strength , power , and muscle volume increases for the specific resistance training group after the 8 weeks of training , whereas only maximal strength , muscle volume and power and in the jump throw increases were found for the regular throwing training group . No significant changes for the control group were found . The current findings suggest that elite male h and ball players can improve ball velocity , anthropometrics , maximal upper-body strength , and power during the competition season by implementing a medicine ball throwing program BACKGROUND As a person ages , leg speed and power decrease . These changes are associated with increased falls and reduced gait speed . It has been shown that upper leg training in younger persons results in increased strength and power at the specific speed at which resistance training is applied , although there are only limited data concerning speed-specific training effects on lower leg activity . However , because both upper and lower leg speed and power influence gait and balance , it is important to determine the training speeds that selectively improve these variables in older persons . METHODS No studies have examined selective speed-specific changes in performance for the upper and lower leg muscles in older individuals . Therefore , we compared shifts in the power-velocity relationship after high-speed ( HS ) and low-speed ( LS ) isokinetic training of knee extensors ( KE ) and flexors ( KF ) , dorsiflexors ( DF ) , and plantar flexors ( PF ) in community-dwelling women ( ages 61 to 75 ) . Subjects were r and omly assigned to a HS training , LS training , or control ( C ) group . Training occurred three times a week for 12 weeks . HS training occurred at 4.73 rad.s(-1 ) ( knee ) and 3.14 rad.s(-1 ) ( ankle ) ; LS training for both joint actions was at 1.05 rad.s(-1 ) . RESULTS HS training improved KE power at intermediate ( 3.14 rad.s(-1 ) ; p = .0007 ) and high ( 5.24 rad.s(-1 ) ; p = .0004 ) testing speeds . Neither the HS nor LS group showed any change in KF as a result of the training . Both LS and HS training improved DF power at all testing speeds ; however , PF power improved only with LS training and only at 1.05 rad.s(-1 ) ( p = .0132 ) and 3.14 rad.s(-1 ) ( p = .0310 ) . CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that , in older women , lower leg training should occur at lower training speeds than upper leg training . Additionally , attention to differential speed-specific training of knee and ankle actions could improve power production , mobility , balance , and other functional measures in older persons 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 This study aim ed to compare the effect on neuromuscular performance of 2 isoinertial resistance training programs that differed only in actual repetition velocity : maximal intended ( MaxV ) vs. half-maximal ( HalfV ) concentric velocity . 21 resistance-trained young men were r and omly assigned to a MaxV ( n=10 ) or HalfV ( n=11 ) group and trained for 6 weeks using the full squat exercise . A complementary study ( n=8 ) described the acute metabolic and mechanical response to the protocol s used . MaxV training result ed in a likely more beneficial effect than HalfV on squat performance : maximum strength ( ES : 0.94 vs. 0.54 ) , velocity developed against all ( ES : 1.76 vs. 0.88 ) , light ( ES : 1.76 vs. 0.75 ) and heavy ( ES : 2.03 vs. 1.64 ) loads common to pre- and post-tests , and CMJ height ( ES : 0.63 vs. 0.15 ) . The effect on 20-m sprint was unclear , however . Both groups attained the greatest improvements in squat performance at their training velocities . Movement velocity seemed to be of greater importance than time under tension for inducing strength adaptations . Slightly higher metabolic stress ( blood lactate and ammonia ) and CMJ height loss were found for MaxV vs. HalfV , while metabolite levels were low to moderate for both conditions . MaxV may provide a superior stimulus for inducing adaptations directed towards improving athletic performance The present study investigated the effects of three different strength training regimes on the isokinetic strength profile of the knee extensors ( quadriceps , Q ) and flexors ( hamstrings , H ) and if increases in isokinetic strength were accompanied by an enhanced performance during a more complex leg movement , the soccer kick . Twenty-two elite soccer players performed 12 weeks of strength training  ( three times per week ) at either high resistance ( HR group : 4 sets , 8 reps , 8RM loading ) , low resistance ( LR group : 4 sets , 24 reps , 24RM loading ) , loaded kicking movements ( LK group : 4 sets , 16 reps , 16RM loading ) while one group served as controls ( CO group ) . Isokinetic concentric and eccentric moment of force  was obtained ( KinCom ) as peak moment ( Mpeak ) and moment at 50 degrees knee flexion ( M50 ) at angular velocities of 30 , 120 , 240 degrees s-1 . Isokinetic knee joint strength was unchanged in groups LR , LK , CO . However , after the HR strength training , concentric Mpeak ( + /- SD ) increased ( P < 0.01 ) at 30 degrees s-1 ( Q , 258 + /- 37 to 297 + /- 57 Nm ; H , 122 + /- 22 to 140 + /- 21 Nm ) . Furthermore , eccentric Mpeak increased at 30 , 120 and 240 degrees s-1 ( Q , 274 + /- 60 to 345 + /- 57 Nm ( P < 0.01 ) , 291 + /- 56 to 309 + /- 49 Nm and 275 + /- 43 to 293 + /- 36 Nm ( P < 0.05 ) , respectively ; H , 143 + /- 32 to 158 + /- 25 Nm , 152 + /- 39 to 169 + /- 31 Nm and 148 + /- 27 to 163 + /- 19 Nm ( P < 0.05 ) ) . Corresponding increases ( P < 0.05 ) were observed for M50 . The H/Q ratio calculated as eccentric hamstring strength divided by concentric quadriceps strength ( Hecc/Qcon , representative for knee extension ) at 240 degrees s-1 increased ( P < 0.05 ) from 107 to 118 % ( based on Mpeak ) and from 90 to 105 % ( M50 ) . Kicking performance estimated by maximal ball flight velocity was unaffected by any of the strength training regimes investigated . In conclusion , only heavy-resistance strength training induced increases in isokinetic muscle strength in the absence of learning effects . Concentric strength gains were observed at the actual velocity of training , while eccentric strength gains were found over the entire range of velocities examined . The capacity of the hamstring muscles for providing stability to the knee joint during fast extension was augmented as a result of the heavy-resistance strength training . Strength training should be integrated with other types of training involving the actual movement pattern in order to increase the performance within more complex movement patterns
power training is feasible for elderly persons and has a small advantage over strength training for functional outcomes .
OBJECTIVE to determine the effects of power training with high movement velocity compared with conventional resistance training with low movement velocity for older community-dwelling people .