High-Speed Power Training Improves Arterial Compliance And Endothelial Function In Older Adults.

Abstract

PURPOSE: After age 65 there is a steep decline in muscle performance and function, while at the same time cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk increases dramatically. Traditional slow-speed strength training (SSST) is regularly prescribed to help reverse age-related declines in muscle performance and function; however, compared to more moderate intensity resistance training, SSST may increase arterial stiffness, potentially exacerbating risk for CVD. High-speed power training (HSPT) is a low-to moderate intensity resistance training protocol that improves muscle performance and function as much, or more, than traditional SSST in older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine whether HSPT would be more beneficial to vascular health compared to SSST in older men and women. METHODS: For this pilot study, 7 community-dwelling men and women (4m, 3f; age: 71±2 years) were randomized into a 16-week lower extremity resistance training intervention of either HSPT (n=4; 3 x 12-14 repetitions at 40% of the one-repetition-maximum [1RM]) at high velocity) 3 x/week; or slow-speed strength training (SSST: n=3; 3 x 8-10 repetitions at 80%1RM at slow velocity) 3 x/week. Leg Press (LP) muscle strength, peak power and peak power velocity were obtained at 40%-90%1RM. Arterial compliance was measured in the femoral artery and endothelial function was assessed using flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery. RESULTS: HSPT improved muscle performance measures of 1RM strength, peak power and peak power velocity as much, or more, than traditional SSST in older adults. Muscle strength, peak power, and peak power velocity improved 11% (1838±483N to 2035±415N), 15% (1124±244W to 1298±288W), and 15% (1.06±0.07m/s to 1.22±0.14m/s) with HSPT, respectively, and 13% (1625±641N to 1835±768N), 9% (1024±527W to 1119±509W), and -1.5% (1.11±0.22m/s to 1.09±0.20m/s) with SSST, respectively. In terms of vascular measures, brachial FMD normalized to shear stimulus improved 35% (0.41 A.U. to 0.58 A.U.) following HSPT with no changes found after SSST. Likewise, femoral arterial compliance improved in HSPT (0.05 mm/mmHg to 0.1 mm/mmHg). CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary findings suggest that high-speed power training may confer vascular benefits that are not manifest following traditional slow-speed strength training.