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High-speed resistance training is more effective than low-speed resistance training to increase functional capacity and muscle performance in older women

2014; Elsevier BV; Volume: 58; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.exger.2014.07.001

1873-6815

Rodrigo Ramírez‐Campillo, Angélica Del Castillo, Carlos De la Fuente, Christian Campos‐Jara, David C. Andrade, Cristián Álvarez, Cristian Martínez‐Salazar, Mauricio Castro‐Sepúlveda, Ana Pereira, Mário C. Marques, Míkel Izquierdo,

Balance, Gait, and Falls Prevention

To examine the effects of 12 weeks of high-speed resistance training (RT) versus low-speed RT on muscle strength [one repetition of maximum leg-press (1RMLP) and bench-press (1RMBP), plus dominant (HGd) and non-dominant maximum isometric handgrip], power [counter-movement jump (CMJ), ball throwing (BT) and 10-m walking sprint (S10)], functional performance [8-foot up-and-go test (UG) and sit-to-stand test (STS)], and perceived quality of life in older women. 45 older women were divided into a high-speed RT group [EG, n = 15, age = 66.3 ± 3.7 y], a low-speed RT group [SG, n = 15, age = 68.7 ± 6.4 y] and a control group [CG, n = 15, age = 66.7 ± 4.9 y]. The SG and EG were submitted to a similar 12-week RT program [3 sets of 8 reps at 40–75% of the one-repetition maximum (1 < RM), CMJ and BT] using slow, controlled (3 s) concentric muscle actions for the SG and using fast, explosive (< 1 s) concentric muscle actions for the EG (20% less work per exercise without CMJ and BT). Over the 12-week training period, both RT groups showed small to large clinically significant improvements in the dependent variables; however, a significant difference was found between the EG and SG for the performance changes in BT, S10 and UG (20% vs. 11%, p < 0.05; 14% vs. 9%, p < 0.05; 18% vs. 10%, p < 0.01; respectively). No significant changes were observed for the CG. Both RT interventions are effective in improving functional capacity, muscle performance and quality of life in older women, although a high-speed RT program induces greater improvements in muscle power and functional capacity.