Training for muscle power in older adults: effects on functional abilities. Strength versus muscle power-specific resistance training in community-dwelling older adults. Combination training and resistance training as effective interventions to improve functioning in elders. Multicomponent exercises including muscle power training enhance muscle mass, power output, and functional outcomes in institutionalized frail nonagenarians Effect of strength and power training on physical function in community-dwelling older adults. Effect of low-intensity versus high-intensity resistance training on the functioning of the institutionalized frail elderly What is a Clinically Meaningful Improvement in Leg-Extensor Power for Mobility-limited Older Adults? Comparative effects of light or heavy resistance power training for improving lower extremity power and physical performance in mobility-limited older adults. Optimal load for increasing muscle power during explosive resistance training in 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 Enhancing quality of life in older adults: A comparison of muscular strength and power training High-Speed Power Training in Older Adults: A Shift of the External Resistance at Which Peak Power Is Produced Resistive training and long-term function in older adults. Resistance training and neuromuscular performance in seniors. Lower extremity power training in elderly subjects with mobility limitations: a randomized controlled trial Increases in muscle strength and balance using a resistance training program administered via a telecommunications system in older adults. Elderly women have blunted response to resistance training despite reduced antagonist coactivation.
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 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 The purpose of the study was to determine whether resistance training ( RT ) or a combination of resistance and aerobic training ( CT ) result ed in the most improvement in measures of functional ability in functionally limited elders . Elderly adults who exhibited some limits in functional ability were r and omly assigned to either a CT , RT , or control ( C ) group . Both RT and CT exercised three times per week for 16 weeks . At Weeks 0 and 17 , participants completed six measures of strength and six functional tests . A 3 ( group ) x 3 ( time ) ANOVA with repeated measures on the time factor was used to analyze the results . CT and RT scored significantly better than C at Week 17 for biceps curl , elbow extension , chair st and , and time up the stairs . These findings demonstrate that RT and CT are both effective at increasing measures of strength and functional ability in elderly adults who begin exercise with functional limitations This r and omized controlled trial examined the effects of multicomponent training on muscle power output , muscle mass , and muscle tissue attenuation ; the risk of falls ; and functional outcomes in frail nonagenarians . Twenty-four elderly ( 91.9 ± 4.1 years old ) were r and omized into intervention or control group . The intervention group performed a twice-weekly , 12-week multicomponent exercise program composed of muscle power training ( 8–10 repetitions , 40–60 % of the one-repetition maximum ) combined with balance and gait retraining .  Strength and power tests were performed on the upper and lower limbs . Gait velocity was assessed using the 5-m habitual gait and the time-up- and -go ( TUG ) tests with and without dual-task performance . Balance was assessed using the FICSIT-4 tests . The ability to rise from a chair test was assessed , and data on the incidence and risk of falls were assessed using question naires . Functional status was assessed before measurements with the Barthel Index . Midthigh lower extremity muscle mass and muscle fat infiltration were assessed using computed tomography . The intervention group showed significantly improved TUG with single and dual tasks , rise from a chair and balance performance ( P < 0.01 ) , and a reduced incidence of falls . In addition , the intervention group showed enhanced muscle power and strength ( P < 0.01 ) . Moreover , there were significant increases in the total and high-density muscle cross-sectional area in the intervention group . The control group significantly reduced strength and functional outcomes . Routine multicomponent exercise intervention should be prescribed to nonagenarians because overall physical outcomes are improved in this population BACKGROUND The performance of daily tasks , such as stair climbing or lifting an object , requires both muscle strength and power . Age-associated reductions in strength and power can affect an older adult 's ability to complete daily tasks such as stair climbing and lifting a child . METHODS The purpose s of this study were to determine whether power training was more efficacious than strength training for improving whole-body physical function in older adults and to examine the relationship between changes in anaerobic power and muscle strength and changes in physical function . Thirty-nine men and women ( mean age + /- SD = 72.5 + /- 6.3 years ) with below-average leg extensor power were r and omly assigned to control ( C , n = 15 ) , strength-training ( ST , n = 13 ) or power-training ( PT , n = 11 ) groups . The ST and PT groups met 3 days per week for 16 weeks ; the C group maintained usual activity and attended three lectures during the course of the study . Primary outcome measures included the Continuous Scale Physical Functional Performance test , maximal strength , and anaerobic power . RESULTS After baseline was controlled for , the Continuous Scale Physical Functional Performance test total score was significantly greater for the PT group than for the ST ( p = .033 ) and C ( p = .016 ) groups . Maximal strength was significantly greater for the ST group than for the C group ( p = .015 ) after the intervention . There was no significant difference between groups for peak anaerobic power . CONCLUSIONS Power training was more effective than strength training for improving physical function in community-dwelling older adults Frailty has emerged as an important risk factor for disability . Age-related declines in physical and physiological function lead to increased risk of loss of independence and poor quality of life . Recent evidence has shown the effectiveness of physical exercise programmes in preventing or reversing frailty . The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the functioning of frail elderly individuals after undergoing  resistance training  for 3 days a week for 8 weeks . The effectiveness of exercise training was investigated in 48 frail elderly individuals who were r and omly assigned to the following intervention groups : high-intensity ( HI ; n=16 ; age : 69–96 years ) or low-intensity ( LI ; n=16 ; age : 77–93 years ) strength training groups or a control group ( n=16 ; age : 76–93 years ) with no specific exercise programme . Participants were assessed for muscle strength , physical function , activities of daily living , depression and quality of life . The HI group had significantly better results ( P<0.05 ) on the Short Physical Performance Test than the LI group ; however , the LI group did show a significant improvement in those scores , whereas the scores of the control group worsened . Results for the other evaluations were similarly favourable in both exercise groups ( P>0.05 ) . The study showed that LI exercise was as effective as HI exercise for most parameters tested . Exercise training is useful for the prevention or treatment of frailty , as it improves functioning by contributing positively to muscle strength , gait , balance and quality of life BACKGROUND Muscle power is a key predictor of physical function in older adults ; however , clinical ly meaningful improvements in leg-extensor muscle power have yet to be identified . The purpose of this study is to establish the minimal clinical ly important improvement ( MCII ) and substantial improvement ( SI ) for leg-extensor power and muscle contraction velocity in mobility-limited older adults . METHODS Data were extracted from three r and omized trials of leg-extensor muscle power training interventions ( 3- to 6-month duration ) .  Measurements of leg-extensor power and velocity were obtained using dynamic bilateral leg press at 40 % and 70 % of the one-repetition maximum . Anchor-based MCIIs were calculated using selected items extracted from the Late Life Function and Disability Instrument . St and ard error of measurement and effect size methods were used to calculate the distribution-based MCII . RESULTS Data from 164 participants ( mean age : 76.6 ± 5.6 years ; Short Physical Performance Battery score : 7.8 ± 1.3 ) were used in this analysis . The respective MCII and SI estimates for 40 % leg-extensor power were 18.3 ( 9 % ) and 30.5 ( 15 % ) W , and 23.1 ( 10 % ) and 41.6 ( 18 % ) W for 70 % leg-extensor power . The respective MCII and SI estimates for 40 % average velocity were 0.03(7 % ) and 0.08(18 % ) m/s , and 0.02(6 % ) and 0.05(15 % ) m/s for 70 % average velocity . CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to establish a clinical ly meaningful improvement of leg-extensor power ( 9%-10 % ) and velocity ( 6%-7 % ) in mobility-limited older adults . These findings should be used to aid in the design and interpretation of clinical trials and interventions that target improvements in muscle power in this high-risk population 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 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 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 Although progressive resistance strength training ( ST ) has been found to improve various measures of physical functioning in older adults , the benefit to quality of life is unclear . Additionally , recent evidence suggests that high velocity power training ( PT ) may be more beneficial for physical functioning than ST , but it is not known whether this type of training impacts quality of life . The purpose of this study was to compare changes in multiple measures of quality of life result ing from ST vs. PT in older adults . A no exercise group was also included as control comparison condition . Methods Forty-five older adults ( M age = 74.8 years ; SD = 5.7 ) were r and omly assigned to either a ) PT , b ) ST , or c ) control group ( no exercise ) . Measures of self-efficacy ( SE ) , satisfaction with physical function ( SPF ) , and the Satisfaction with Life Scale ( SWL ) were assessed at baseline and following training . The resistance training conditions met 3 times per week for 12 weeks at an intensity of 70 % 1 repetition maximum . Results A series of ANCOVA 's comparing between group differences in change and controlling for baseline values revealed significant group differences in all three measures : SE ( F(2,31 ) = 9.77 ; p < .001 ) ; SPF ( F(2,32 ) = 3.36 ; p = .047 ) ; SWL ( F(2,31 ) = 4.76 ; p = .016 ) . Follow up analyses indicated that the PT group reported significantly more change in SE , SPF , and SWL than the control group whereas the ST group reported greater change than the control group only in SE . Conclusion These pilot data indicate that high velocity power training may influence multiple levels of quality of life over and above the benefits gained through traditional strength training 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 The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 24-month moderate-intensity resistive-training intervention on strength and function in older adults .  A repeated- measures experimental research design was employed as a sample of 55 apparently healthy , older , community-dwelling volunteers ( 30 exercisers- 25 women and 5 men ; 25 comparisons- 16 women and 9 men ) were evaluated for strength of 5 muscle groups that influence lower extremity movement and physical function . Strength and function were evaluated at 6-month intervals . The findings from this study indicate that a moderate-intensity resistive-training program increases strength in older adults and that the strength benefits are retained for the duration of the intervention . Furthermore , a long-term strength-training program can increase independent-function skills in older adults and might therefore aid in prolonging functional independence Age-related processes in the neuromuscular and the somatosensory system are responsible for decreases in maximal and explosive force production capacity and deficits in postural control . Thus , the objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of resistance training on strength performance and on postural control in seniors . Forty healthy seniors ( 67+/-1 yrs ) participated in this study . Subjects were r and omly assigned to a resistance training ( n=20 ) and a control group ( n=20 ) . Resistance training for the lower extremities lasted for 13 weeks at 80 % of the one repetition maximum . Pre and post tests included the measurement of maximal isometric leg extension force with special emphasis on the early part of the force-time-curve and the assessment of static ( functional reach test ) and dynamic ( t and em walk test , platform perturbation ) postural control .  Resistance training result ed in an enhanced strength performance with increases in explosive force exceeding those in maximal strength . Improved performances in the functional reach and in the t and em walk test were observed . Resistance training did not have an effect on the compensation of platform perturbations . Increases in strength performance can primarily be explained by an improved neural drive of the agonist muscles . The inconsistent effect of resistance training on postural control may be explained by heterogeneity of testing methodology or by the incapability of isolated resistance training to improve postural control 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 BACKGROUND Resistance training programs have been found to improve muscle strength , physical function , and depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults . These programs have typically been provided in clinical facilities , health clubs , and senior centers , which may be inconvenient and /or cost prohibitive for some older adults . The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of an automated telemedicine intervention that provides real-time guidance and monitoring of resistance training in the home . METHODS A r and omized clinical trial in 103 middle-aged or older participants . Participants were assigned to use of a theory-driven interactive voice response system design ed to promote resistance training ( Telephone-Linked Computer-based Long-term Interactive Fitness Trainer ; n = 52 ) or to an attention control ( n = 51 ) for a period of 12 months . Measurements of muscle strength , balance , walk distance , and mood were obtained at baseline , 3 , 6 , and 12 months . RESULTS We observed increased strength , improved balance , and fewer depressive symptoms in the intervention group than in the control group . Using generalized estimating equations modeling , group differences were statistically significant for knee flexion strength ( p = .035 ) , single-leg stance time ( p = .029 ) , and Beck Depression Inventory ( p = .030 ) . CONCLUSIONS This computer-based telecommunications exercise intervention led to improvements in participants ' strength , balance , and depressive symptoms . Because of their low cost and easy accessibility , computer-based interventions may be a cost-effective way of promoting exercise in the home PURPOSE To test the ability of a combination high-velocity/high-resistance training program to enhance knee extensor muscle strength , power , nervous activation of muscle , and muscle activation time in inactive women and compare the response to training between young and old women . METHODS The study involved 49 inactive women , with young ( 18 - 33 yr , n = 25 ) and old ( 65 - 84 yr , n = 24 ) distributed to training and control groups using blocked r and omization .  Electrically evoked muscle twitches were measured for the knee extensors ; then maximal , voluntary , isometric knee extensions were performed in a visually cued reaction time ( RT ) task , followed by 8 wk of explosive resistance training . RESULTS Training increased peak torque ( + 12 % , P = 0.03 ) and reduced antagonist coactivation ( -13 % , P = 0.02 ) similarly for both age groups . Young training group increased the rate of torque development by 34 % compared to young controls ( -7 % ) , old training ( + 9 % ) , and old controls ( + 8 % ) ( P = 0.002 ) . Young training group increased impulse by 53 % , which was greater than young controls ( -11 % ) , old training ( + 12 % ) , and old controls ( + 9 % ) ( P = 0.001 ) . Resistance training did not change electrically evoked twitch , RT ( premotor time , motor time , or reaction time ) , or nervous activation measures ( onset EMG amplitude or rate of EMG rise ) . CONCLUSIONS Explosive force training was ineffective at enhancing muscle twitch characteristics , neural drive , or RT in young or old women . It did enhance peak muscle force in both young and old , modulated through a reduction in antagonist coactivation . Older participants showed less of an improvement in the rate of torque development and contractile impulse than young , indicating either that this sample of older women had a reduced capacity to develop muscle power or that the 8-wk isokinetic resistance training program used in this study was not a sufficient stimulus for adaptation
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 .