Effects of Lower Extremity Eccentric-Based Training on Muscle Strength and Physical Function in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

Abstract

PURPOSE: Reduced muscular strength is a key player in loss of physical function and quality of life in older adults. It has been reported that eccentric training has positive effects on the preservation of eccentric strength, produces less delayed onset muscle sore ness, and has a lower metabolic cost for older individuals. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of eccentric-based train ing on skeletal muscle strength and physical function in older adults. METHODS: Sixteen healthy older subjects (over the age of 65) participated either in eccentric training group (ETG, n=8) or in conven tional resistance training group (CTG, n=8) twice a week for eight weeks. The ETG group performed motorized eccentric training, and the CTG group performed a leg press using air pressure. Physical function and muscular strength assessments were performed before and after 8 weeks. The primary outcomes for physical function included gait speed, stair climbing, and the chair stand test, and the sec ondary outcomes included muscle strength and power. RESULTS: The ETG group demonstrated significant improvements in physical function (gait speed and stair climbing) and muscle strength (isokinetic strength and power in knee tests) (p .05) after 8 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Motorized eccentric-based training was more effective in improving muscle strength and physical function in aged individuals than conventional resistance training, which s suggests that eccentric training is may be more beneficial for older individuals to improve overall physical function.