Resistance training alters torque-velocity relation of elbow flexors in elderly men.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to compare in vivo dynamic muscle characteristics (torque-velocity relation and maximal contraction velocity) of sedentary young subjects with elderly men before and after training.


METHODS
Elbow flexion maximal isometric (Tmax) and dynamic torque at velocities between 100 degrees.s-1 and 600 degrees.s-1 were measured, from which maximal contraction velocity was estimated (eVmax). These parameters were obtained from 18 young sedentary subjects (Y) and from 23 healthy sedentary elderly (mean age 63 yr) men (E) before (PRE), after 13 wk (MID), and 26 wk (POST) of moderate intensity resistance training (30RM) of the elbow flexor muscles.


RESULTS
Y and E before training had similar Tmax, but mean dynamic torque over all velocities was 49.1% higher in Y compared with E. After 13 wk of training TmaxE increased by 8.2% and mean dynamic torque increased by 61.2%, with a velocity dependent gain. For eVmaxE an increase of 21.8% was observed. The second 13-wk training period did not induce further increases.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of the present study demonstrate that, after moderate intensity resistance training of healthy elderly men, maximal contraction velocity of elbow flexors (eVmax), estimated from the torque-velocity curve, increased to values observed for sedentary young men.
Labarque
Valery
V
Exercise Physiology, Department of Kinesiology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. Belgium.
'T Eijnde
Bert Op
BO
Van Leemputte
Marc
M
D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004550:Elbow / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D019415:Torque; D014891:Weight Lifting / Q000502:physiology