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 .
Maximal and explosive force production capacity and balance performance in men of different ages
Abstract A group of 32 healthy men ( M ) divided into three different age groups , i.e. M20 years [ mean 21 ( SD 1 ) ; n = 12 ] , M40 [ mean 40 ( SD 2 ) ; n = 10 ] and M70 [ mean 71 ( SD 5 ) ; n = 10 ] volunteered as subjects for examination of maximal and explosive force production of leg extensor muscles in both isometric and dynamic actions ( squat jump , SJ and counter movement jump , CMJ , and st and ing long-jump , SLJ ) . The balance test was performed on a force platform in both isometric and dynamic actions . Maximal bilateral isometric force value in M70 was lower ( P < 0.001 ) than in M40 and as much as 46 % lower ( P < 0.001 ) than that recorded in M20 ( P < 0.001 ) . The maximal rate of force development ( RFD ) on the force-time curve was in M70 lower ( P < 0.001 ) than in M40 and as much as 64 % lower than in M20 . The heights in SJ and CMJ and the distance in SLJ in M70 were lower ( P < 0.001 ) than in M40 and M20 ( P < 0.001 ) . In response to modifications of the visual surroundings the older subjects were 24%–47 % ( P < 0.05 and P < 0.001 ) slower in their response time in reaching the lit centre ( TT ) and remained 20%–34 % ( P < 0.001 ) less time inside the centre ( TC ) from the overall time of lighting than M40 and M20 , respectively . In both older groups the individual values of isometric RFD correlated significantly ( P < 0.05 ) with the individual balance values of TT and TC . The present results would suggest that the capacity for explosive force production declines drastically with increasing age , even more than maximal muscle strength . Aging may also lead to impaired balance with a decrease in event detection and speed of postural adjustments . The decreased ability to develop force rapidly in older people seems to be associated with a lower capacity for neuromuscular response in controlling postural sway
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 .