title: Effect of high versus low-velocity resistance training on muscular fitness and functional performance in older men.
abstract: This study investigated the effect of a 10-week power training (PT) program versus traditional resistance training (TRT) on functional performance, and muscular power and strength in older men. Twenty inactive volunteers (60-76 years old) were randomly assigned to a PT group (three 8-10 repetition sets performed as fast a possible at 60% of 1-RM) or a TRT group (three 8-10 repetition sets with 2-3 s contractions at 60% of 1-RM). Both groups exercised 2 days/week with the same work output. Outcomes were measured with the Rikli and Jones functional fitness test and a bench and leg press test of maximal power and strength (1-RM). Significant differences between and within groups were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). At 10 weeks there was a significantly (P < 0.05) greater improvement in measures of functional performance in the PT group. Arm curling improved by 50 versus 3% and a 30 s chair-stand improved by 43 versus 6% in the PT and TRT groups, respectively. There was also a significantly greater improvement in muscular power (P < 0.05) in the PT group. The bench press improved by 37 versus 13%, and the leg press by 31 and 8% in the PT and TRT groups, respectively. There was no significant difference between groups in improved muscular strength. It appears that in older men there may be a significantly greater improvement in functional performance and muscular power with PT versus low velocity resistance training.
authors.affiliation: College of Physical Education and Exercise Science, Faculdade de Educação Física, University of Brasilia, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro/FEF, Brasília, DF, Brazil. martim@unb.br
authors.forename: Martim
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bottaro
authors.forename: Samyra N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Machado
authors.forename: Wanderson
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Nogueira
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Scales
authors.forename: João
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Veloso
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D053580:Muscle Strength; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014891:Weight Lifting