title: Effects of strength and power training on neuromuscular variables in older adults.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare the neuromuscular adaptations produced by strength-training (ST) and power-training (PT) regimens in older individuals. Participants were balanced by quadriceps cross-sectional area (CSA) and leg-press 1-repetition maximum and randomly assigned to an ST group (n = 14; 63.6 ± 4.0 yr, 79.7 ± 17.2 kg, and 163.9 ± 9.8 cm), a PT group (n = 16; 64.9 ± 3.9 yr, 63.9 ± 11.9 kg, and 157.4 ± 7.7 cm), or a control group (n = 13; 63.0 ± 4.0 yr, 67.2 ± 10.8 kg, and 159.8 ± 6.8 cm). ST and PT were equally effective in increasing (a) maximum dynamic and isometric strength (p < .05), (b) increasing quadriceps muscle CSA (p < .05), and (c) decreasing electrical mechanical delay of the vastus lateralis muscle (p < .05). There were no significant changes in neuromuscular activation after training. The novel finding of the current study is that PT seems to be an attractive alternative to regular ST to maintain and improve muscle mass.
authors.affiliation: School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Lilian França
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Wallerstein
authors.forename: Valmor
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Tricoli
authors.forename: Renato
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Barroso
authors.forename: L F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Rodacki A
authors.forename: Luciano
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Russo
authors.forename: André Yui
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: Aihara
authors.forename: Artur
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: da Rocha Correa Fernandes
authors.forename: Marco Tulio
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: de Mello
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ugrinowitsch
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004576:Electromyography; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D052580:Muscle Stretching Exercises / Q000379:methods; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000502:physiology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D055070:Resistance Training