AUTHOR=Walker Simon , Haff Guy G. , Häkkinen Keijo , Newton Robert U. 

TITLE=Moderate-Load Muscular Endurance Strength Training Did Not Improve Peak Power or Functional Capacity in Older Men and Women

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Physiology

VOLUME=Volume 8 - 2017

YEAR=2017

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2017.00743

DOI=10.3389/fphys.2017.00743

ISSN=1664-042X

ABSTRACT=The present study determined the effects of muscular endurance strength training on maximum strength and power, functional capacity, muscle activation and hypertrophy in older men and women. Eighty-one men and women acted as an intervention group while 22 acted as non-training controls (age range 64-75y). Intervention training included super-sets (i.e. paired exercises, immediately performing the second exercises following completion of the first) with short rest intervals (30-60s between sets) at an intensity of 50‒60% one-repetition maximum (1-RM) for 15-20 repetitions. Concentric leg press actions measured maximum strength (1-RM) and concentric peak power. Functional capacity was assessed by maximum speed walking tests (i.e. forward walk, backward walk, timed-up-and-go and stair climb tests). Quadriceps muscle activation was assessed by surface electromyogram and twitch interpolation technique. Vastus lateralis cross-sectional area was measured by panoramic ultrasound. Compared to control, the intervention groups increased maximum strength (1-RM; men: 10±7% vs. 2±3%, women: 14±9% vs. 1±6% both P<0.01) and vastus lateralis cross-sectional area (men: 6±7% vs. -3±6%, women: 10±10% vs. 0±4% both P<0.05). But there were no between-group differences in peak power, muscle activation or functional capacity (e.g. stair climb; men: -5±7% vs. -4±3%, women: -5±6% vs. -2±5% both P>0.05). While benefits occurred during muscular endurance strength training, specific stimuli are probably needed to target all aspects of age-related health.