Conclusion Plyometric training is a feasible and safe training option with potential for improving various performance , functional , and health-related outcomes in older persons
Background The aging process is associated with a progressive decline of neuromuscular function , increased risk of falls and fractures , impaired functional performance , and loss of independence .
Plyometric training may mitigate or even reverse such age-related deterioration ; however , little research on the effects of plyometric exercises has been performed in older adults .
Objective The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of plyometric training in older adults .
Neuromuscular mechanics and hopping training in elderly
Abstract Purpose The present study examined the effects of repetitive hopping training on muscle activation profiles and fascicle – tendon interaction in the elderly . Methods 20 physically active elderly men were r and omly assigned for training ( TG ) and control groups ( CG ) . TG performed supervised bilateral short contact hopping training with progressively increasing training volume . Measurements were performed before the training period ( BEF ) as well as after 2 weeks ( 2 W ) and 11 weeks ( 11 W ) of training . During measurements , the gastrocnemius medialis – muscle ( GaM ) fascicle and its outer Achilles tendon length changes during hopping were examined by ultrasonography together with electromyographic ( EMG ) activities of calf muscles , kinematics , and kinetics . Results At 2 W , the ankle joint stiffness was increased by 21.0 ± 19.3 % and contact time decreased by 9.4 ± 7.8 % in TG . Thereafter , from 2–11 W the jumping height increased 56.2 ± 18.1 % in TG . Simultaneously , tendon forces increased 24.3 ± 19.0 % but tendon stiffness did not change . GaM fascicles shifted to shorter operating lengths after training without any changes in their length modifications during the contact phase of hopping . Normalized EMG amplitudes during hopping did not change with training . Conclusions The present study shows that 11 W of hopping training improves the performance of physically active elderly men . This improvement is achieved with shorter GaM operating lengths and , therefore , increased fascicle stiffness and improved tendon utilization after training . Based on these results , hopping training could be recommended for healthy fit elderly to retain and improve rapid force production capacity
Conclusion Plyometric training is a feasible and safe training option with potential for improving various performance , functional , and health-related outcomes in older persons
Background The aging process is associated with a progressive decline of neuromuscular function , increased risk of falls and fractures , impaired functional performance , and loss of independence .
Plyometric training may mitigate or even reverse such age-related deterioration ; however , little research on the effects of plyometric exercises has been performed in older adults .
Objective The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of plyometric training in older adults .