Cycling as a novel approach to resistance training increases muscle strength, power, and selected functional abilities in healthy older women.
Cycling on a mechanically braked cycle ergometer was used as a novel approach to compare the effects of three different 16-wk resistance-training programs on isometric force, power output, and selected functional abilities in 31 healthy 65- to 74-yr-old women. Training was conducted three times per week. During each session, individuals of the speed group performed 8 sets of 16 pedal revolutions at 40% of the maximal resistance to complete two revolutions (2 RM); strength group performed 8 sets of 8 revolutions at 80% of 2 RM; and combination group performed 4 sets of 16 revolutions at 40% and 4 sets of 8 revolutions at 80% of 2 RM. During each set, all participants were required to pedal as fast as possible with a 2-min interval between sets. All training groups significantly increased force, power, and functional abilities (maximal treadmill walking speed, vertical jumping, and box stepping) at week 8 (in the range from 6.5 to 20.8%) with no further improvement at week 16 (except maximal treadmill walking speed), but no significant differences were observed between the three groups. The novel approach to performing both low- and high-resistance training, based on the use of a cycle ergometer, has been shown to be effective in improving strength, power, and functional abilities in a group of healthy women. Even fit older women can still improve in functional abilities. Interestingly, the "high-speed" and "low-speed" programs induced an increase in both power and strength of similar magnitude.
Macaluso
Andrea
A
Applied Physiology Department, Strathclyde Institute for Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G13 1PP, UK.
Young
Archie
A
Gibb
Katie S
KS
Rowe
David A
DA
De Vito
Giuseppe
G
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000368:Aged; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D004576:Electromyography; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D007866:Leg / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D012449:Safety