title: Increased muscle size and strength from slow-movement, low-intensity resistance exercise and tonic force generation.
abstract: The authors investigated the effects of low-intensity resistance training on muscle size and strength in older men and women. Thirty-five participants (age 59-76 yr) were randomly assigned to 2 groups and performed low-intensity (50% of 1-repetition maximum) knee-extension and -flexion exercises with either slow movement and tonic force generation (LST; 3-s eccentric, 3-s concentric, and 1-s isometric actions with no rest between repetitions) or normal speed (LN; 1-s concentric and 1-s eccentric actions with 1-s rests between repetitions) twice a week for 12 wk (2-wk preparation and 10-wk intervention). The LST significantly increased thigh-muscle thickness, as well as isometric knee-extension and -flexion strength. The LN significantly improved strength, but its hypertrophic effect was limited. These results indicate that even for older individuals, the LST can be an effective method for gaining muscle mass and strength.
authors: Department of Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
authors: Yuya
authors: Y
authors: Watanabe
authors: Michiya
authors: M
authors: Tanimoto
authors: Akane
authors: A
authors: Ohgane
authors: Kiyoshi
authors: K
authors: Sanada
authors: Motohiko
authors: M
authors: Miyachi
authors: Naokata
authors: N
authors: Ishii
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006984:Hypertrophy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*