Abstract
BackgroundPower-oriented resistance training (PRT) is one of the most effective exercise programs to counteract neuromuscular and physical function age-related declines. However, the optimal load that maximizes these outcomes or the load-specific adaptations induced on muscle power determinants remain to be better understood. Furthermore, to investigate whether these adaptations are potentially transferred to an untrained limb (i.e., cross-education phenomenon) could be especially relevant during limb-immobilization frequently observed in older people (e.g., after hip fracture).MethodsAt least 30 well-functioning older participants (>65 years) will participate in a within-person randomized controlled trial. After an 8-week control period, the effects of two 12-week PRT programs using light vs. heavy loads will be compared using an unilateral exercise model through three study arms (light-load PRT vs. non-exercise; heavy-load PRT vs. non-exercise; and light- vs. heavy- load PRT). Muscle-tendon function, muscle excitation and morphology and physical function will be evaluated to analyze the load-specific effects of PRT in older people. Additionally, the effects of PRT will be examined on a non-exercised contralateral limb.DiscussionTailored exercise programs are largely demanded given their potentially greater efficiency preventing age-related negative consequences, especially during limb-immobilization. This trial will provide evidence supporting the use of light- or heavy-load PRT on older adults depending on individual needs, improving decision making and exercise program efficacy.Clinical Trial RegistrationNCT03724461 registration data: October 30, 2018.
Highlights
Resistance training has become a core component of exercise prescribed for older adults due to its capacity to mitigate the effects of aging on neuromuscular function and improve functional capacity (Liu and Latham, 2009; Peterson et al, 2010; Borde et al, 2015; Lopez et al, 2018)
Tailored exercise programs are largely demanded given their potentially greater efficiency preventing age-related negative consequences, especially during limbimmobilization. This trial will provide evidence supporting the use of light- or heavy-load power-oriented resistance training (PRT) on older adults depending on individual needs, improving decision making and exercise program efficacy
Exploring specific adaptations induced by heavy-load PRT (HL-PRT) and LL-PRT will provide valuable data informing the prescription of resistive training in this population
Summary
Resistance training has become a core component of exercise prescribed for older adults due to its capacity to mitigate the effects of aging on neuromuscular function and improve functional capacity (Liu and Latham, 2009; Peterson et al, 2010; Borde et al, 2015; Lopez et al, 2018). Several previous studies have been performed with the intent to determine the optimal load for power development in older people (de Vos et al, 2005; Reid et al, 2015; Richardson et al, 2019) Summarizing these works in a systematic review, Katsoulis et al (2019) concluded that a wide range of intensities may be used to improve muscle power and physical function in older adults. The variability of outcome measures and limited power of the studies included prevented the authors from performing a meta-analysis For this reason, the authors recommended that further investigations comparing different intensities or frequencies of training and addressing force- or velocity-dependent components of the power adaptations should be conducted (Katsoulis et al, 2019). To investigate whether these adaptations are potentially transferred to an untrained limb (i.e., cross-education phenomenon) could be especially relevant during limb-immobilization frequently observed in older people (e.g., after hip fracture)
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