Optimal Load for Increasing Muscle Power During Explosive Resistance Training in Older Adults

Background. Muscle power (force × velocity) recedes at a faster rate than strength with age and may also be a stronger predictor of fall risk and functional decline. The optimal training paradigm for improving muscle power in older adults is not known, although some literature suggests high velocity, low load training is optimal in young adults. Methods. One hundred twelve healthy older adults (69 ± 6 years) were randomly assigned to either explosive resistance training at 20% (G20), 50% (G50), or 80% (G80) one repetition maximum (1RM) for 8–12 weeks or to a nontraining control group (CON). Participants trained twice per week (five exercises; three sets of eight rapidly concentric and slow eccentric repetitions) using pneumatic resistance machines. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and covariance (ANOVA and ANCOVA) were used to determine the effects of training. Results. Average peak power increased significantly and similarly in G80 (14 ± 8%), G50 (15 ± 9%), and G20 (14 ± 6%) compared to CON (3 ± 6%) (p