Investigating the Effects of Power Training in the Elderly
Conditions
Keywords
Aging, resistance training, functional capacity, muscle strength, muscle hypertrophy
Brief summary
Power (strength × velocity) is a crucial component for maintaining independence during aging. Therefore, investigating interventions aimed at improving this physical capacity is essential for this population. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of power training (PT) performed at low to moderate intensity (PTLM; 40-60% of 1-repetition maximum \[1RM\]) and moderate to high intensity (PTMH; 65-80% of 1RM) on muscle power, kinematic gait parameters, strength, muscle thickness, and functional performance in older adults. Participants will be randomly assigned to perform PTLM and PTMH. Data collection will occur before and after familiarization, as well as at weeks 8 and 16 of the training programs. Participants will undergo a series of tests in the following sequence: 1) muscle thickness and 1RM test; 2) muscle power, maximum voluntary contraction, and rate of force development; 3) functional performance. The primary analyses will be conducted on an intention-to-treat basis, comparing the effects of the interventions and groups over time. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) will be used, considering the factors of group (2 levels) and time (3 levels). Paired comparisons will be assessed using the Bonferroni post-hoc test to identify significant differences between groups and time points. All tests will be performed using JASP software (version 0.16.4.0), with statistical significance set at p \< 0.05 for all analyses.
Interventions
DEVICEModerate to high intensity (PTMH; 65-80% of 1-repetition maximum [1RM]) )
Power training performed at maximum velocity in the concentric phase with moderate to high intensity
DEVICElow to moderate intensity (PTLM; 40-60% of 1-repetition maximum [1RM])
Power training performed at maximum velocity in the concentric phase with lower to moderate intensity
Sponsors
Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Outcomes Assessor)
Intervention model description
The methodological procedures of this project will be carried out at the UFRGS facilities, on the campus of the School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Dance (ESEFID) and at LAPEX. After two weeks of familiarization, in order to guarantee the reproducibility and reliability of the methodological procedures, the participants will be randomized electronically (randomizer.org.br) to perform low to moderate intensity (PTLM; 40-60% of 1-repetition maximum \[1RM\]) and moderate to high intensity (PTMH; 65-80% of 1RM).
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
60 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Age 60 years or older * No participation in regular and systematic resistance training in the last three months * No absolute or relative contraindications to exercise * No musculoskeletal injuries that could interfere with training and assessments
Exclusion criteria
* Use of steroids, nutritional supplements, or ergogenic substances * Failure to complete all study phases * Failure to complete more than 80% of the training sessions (32 sessions)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Power | Pre- and post-intervention (16 weeks of training) | The power output during strength exercises is assessed using an encoder linear at two different intensities: 30% and 70% of 1RM in leg extension and leg press 45. Power output is the ability to generate force quickly and is a key measure of explosive strength. These tests are performed using different resistance levels to assess power across a range of intensities. Measurement Tool: Encoder linear (linear encoder or velocity-based device) Scale: Power output in watts (W) Higher scores indicate better power performance at each intensity. |
| Muscle Strength | Pre- and post-intervention (16 weeks of training) | Muscle strength is the ability of a muscle or muscle group to generate force against resistance. It reflects the maximum force that can be produced in a single effort and is essential for daily activities and overall physical function. One Repetition Maximum (1RM) is used to quantify maximal strength. Measurement Tool: 1RM testing Scale: 1RM (measured in kg) Higher scores indicate better strength performance. |
| Rate of Force Development | Pre- and post-intervention (16 weeks of training) | Rate of force development refers to the speed at which force is generated by a muscle or muscle group. It is a critical measure of neuromuscular performance, especially in activities that require explosive strength or rapid reactions. RFD is measured during maximal voluntary contractions. Measurement Tool: Load Cell Scale: Measured in Newtons per second (N/s) Higher scores indicate better neuromuscular performance. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Functional Capacity | Pre- and post-intervention (16 weeks of training) | Functional capacity refers to an individual's ability to perform activities required for daily living, such as walking, climbing stairs, or carrying objects. It reflects overall physical function and is often used to assess health status, particularly in older adults or clinical populations. The following tests were selected to assess functional capacity: Stair Climbing Test Scale: Total time to climb and descend a predetermined number of stairs. Shorter time indicates better performance. Timed Up and Go (TUG) Scale: Total time in seconds. Shorter time indicates better mobility and agility. 6-Meter Walk Speed Test Scale: Total time to walk 6 meters (seconds). Shorter time indicates faster walking speed. Sit-to-Stand Test (5 times) Scale: Total time to complete the 5 repetitions. Shorter time indicates better muscle strength and functional capacity. |
| Muscle hypertrophy | Pre- and post-intervention (16 weeks of training) | Muscle thickness is an indicator of muscle size and hypertrophy. It reflects the structural adaptations that occur in response to training. Ultrasound is used to measure the thickness of muscles such as the quadriceps, biceps, and triceps. Measurement Tool: Ultrasound imaging Scale: Muscle thickness in millimeters (mm) Higher scores indicate greater muscle hypertrophy. |
| Cognitive Capacity | Pre- and post-intervention (16 weeks of training) | The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a brief screening tool used to assess cognitive function. It evaluates multiple cognitive domains, including memory, attention, language, and executive functions. It is commonly used to assess cognitive decline or impairments. Measurement Tool: MoCA test Scale: MoCA score ranges from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating better cognitive function. Higher scores indicate better cognitive function. |
Countries
Brazil
Outcome results
None listed