None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Resistance training safely improves a range of outcomes in older adults, with high-velocity resistance training (HVRT) the most effective at improving power and function in this group. Improving power generation with training such as HVRT is critical for older adults because muscle power is more important than muscle strength for physical function, dynamic balance and reacting to a loss of balance to prevent a fall. While HVRT is effective, the benefit of such training is partly dependent on maximising movement velocity. Providing augmented feedback during resistance training is effective at improving movement velocity, motivation, and functional performance in young adults, but the use of feedback during resistance training in older adults has not been studied. Feedback is an integral component of a physiotherapist’s tool kit to optimise interventions (e.g., providing verbal feedback during task practice) but evidence to support the efficacy of feedback during HVRT in older adults does not yet exist. The proposed study will be the first to identify whether providing augmented feedback during resistance training enhances movement velocity in older adults. Based on the established benefits of adding targeted instruction or feedback to other physiotherapy interventions, and the identified benefits of velocity-based feedback in young adults, it is hypothesised that augmented feedback will improve movement velocity during training. Improved movement velocity should translate to greater power adaptations and functional improvements. If feedback is effective at improving within session performance in older adults, the benefits may be transferrable to other physiotherapy settings such as rehabilitation where improving muscle power and function is a priority for most patients. Importantly, if feedback influences perceived exertion/motivation, this has positive implications for exercise adherence. The objectives of this study are to identify whether: a. providing augmented feedback during a resistance training session increases barbell velocity in older adults b. different types of augmented feedback (e.g., visual) optimise barbell velocity c. provision of feedback influences motivation and perceived exertion in older adults
Interventions
Participants will perform three sets of 10 repetitions at 60% three-repetition maximum (3RM) on each exercise (leg press and bench press) following a standardized warm-up under one of the four conditions at each session (each session separated by at least four days). The standardized warm-up will include 5 minutes of stationary cycling followed by 2 sets of each exercise (ie. leg press and bench press) using the bar only.
All four "feedback" conditions will be completed in a randomized crossove
Participants will perform three sets of 10 repetitions at 60% three-repetition maximum (3RM) on each exercise (leg press and bench press) following a standardized warm-up under one of the four conditions at each session (each session separated by at least four days). The standardized warm-up will include 5 minutes of stationary cycling followed by 2 sets of each exercise (ie. leg press and bench press) using the bar only. All four "feedback" conditions will be completed in a randomized crossover order determined through computer-generated random numbering. For all conditions, participants will be instructed to be as “forceful and powerful” as possible during the concentric phase of each repetition. Concentric velocity will be measured for each repetition using a linear position transducer (GymAware). This system will be connected to an iPad that will display the mean concentric velocity for each repetition in real time. Participants will be “spotted” by a researcher at all times and feedback will be provided by a physiotherapist with over 15 years experience. The following modes of feedback will be provided at separate sessions (separated by four days): a. Verbal kinematic feedback – in addition to the standard control instruction (i.e.” “…forceful and powerful”), a researcher will verbally state the mean concentric barbell velocity that was recorded on an iPad (see above) for each repetition at a volume slightly greater than conversation volume. The participants will not be able to see the screen (so they won't get visual feedback simultaneously). b. Visual kinematic feedback - in addition to the standard control instruction, the participant will see a display of mean concentric velocity (m per second) directly in front of them (or above them for bench press). The display will be in large font, on an iPad that will be placed approximately 1 m away. c. Verbal encouragement - in addition to the standard control instruction, a researcher will stand perpendicular to the subject and provide standardized verbally encouragingly statements during repetitions 2–9 (i.e., repetition 2: “Way to go!”; repetition 3: “Come on!”; repetition 4: “Good job!”; repetition 5: “Excellent!”; repetition 6: “Come on, push it!”; repetition 7: “Keep it up!”; repetition 8: “Push it!”; and repetition 9: “Let’s go!”). These phrases were chosen because they have previously been shown to improve physical performance. All verbal encouragement was at a volume slightly louder than normal conversation volume. d. Control (no additional feedback) - participants will be instructed to be as “forceful and powerful” as possible during the concentric phase of each repetition. Each session will last approximately 45 minutes.
Sponsors
Dr Vaughan Nicholson
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Crossover
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Investigator)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
65 Years to 85 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Aged 65-85 years with at least 12 months of resistance training experience
Exclusion criteria
Orthopaedic surgery in the past 6-months, uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, progressive neurological condition, severe visual or hearing impairment that would limit ability to receive feedback.
Outcome results
None listed