Neuromuscular effects of three training methods in ageing women.
OBJECTIVE
The present study aimed to compare the effects of 3 strength development methods on muscular mass and muscular strength in healthy ageing women.


METHODS
Thirty-two healthy women, 62 to 75 years old were randomised into 3 groups. The 3 groups performed 4 sessions a week of strength development for 6 weeks. The 1(st) group (SC) climbed up and down 300 stairs per session. The 2(nd) group (ES) followed an electrostimulation programme on the quadriceps muscles. The 3(rd) group (SC+ES) combined stair climbing with electrostimulation. Before and after the 3 programmes, the muscular mass of the leg was assessed using a biphotonic absorptiometry machine. Isometric (angle 20 degrees and 100 degrees ) and isokinetic (60 degrees /s and 240 degrees /s) knee extension torque was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer.


RESULTS
None of the programmes changed the muscular mass. All 3 groups increased isometric (angle 20 degrees, p<0.001; angle 100 degrees, p<0.003) and isokinetic (60 degrees /s, p<0.0001; 240 degrees /s, p<0.0001) knee extension torque. None of the programmes appeared more efficient than the others for muscular mass or muscular strength.


CONCLUSIONS
Six weeks of activity (SC, ES or SC+ES) improved the isometric and dynamic muscular strength in ageing healthy women. However, this period was too short to change the muscular mass. None of the activities presented a real advantage over the others in ageing women.
Paillard
T
T
Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Rangueil University Hospital, Toulouse, France.
Lafont
C
C
Soulat
J M
JM
Costes-Salon
M C
MC
Mario
B
B
Montoya
R
R
Dupui
P
P
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D007551:Isotonic Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D024510:Muscle Development / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*