The effect of strength training and short-term detraining on maximum force and the rate of force development of older men.
This study examined the effect of strength training (ST) and short-term detraining on maximum force and rate of force development (RFD) in previously sedentary, healthy older men. Twenty-four older men (70-80 years) were randomly assigned to a ST group (n = 12) and C group (control, n = 12). Training consisted of three sets of six to ten repetitions on an incline squat at 70-90% of one repetition maximum three times per week for 16 weeks followed by 4 weeks of detraining. Regional muscle mass was assessed before and after training by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Training increased RFD, maximum bilateral isometric force, and force in 500 ms, upper leg muscle mass and strength above pre-training values (14, 25, 22, 7, 90%, respectively; P < 0.05). After 4 weeks detraining all neuromuscular variables were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than after 16 weeks training but remained significantly (P < 0.05) higher than pre-training levels except for RFD which had returned to pre-training levels. These findings demonstrate that high-intensity ST can improve maximum force and RFD of older men. However, older individuals may lose some neuromuscular performance after a period of short-term detraining and that resistance exercise should be performed on a regular basis to maintain training adaptations.
Lovell
Dale I
DI
School of Health and Sport Sciences, The University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Australia. dlovell@usc.edu.au
Cuneo
Ross
R
Gass
Greg C
GC
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001823:Body Composition; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D053580:Muscle Strength; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D009929:Organ Size; D055070:Resistance Training; D013997:Time Factors