THE EFFECT OF STRENGTH AND POWER TRAINING ON PHYSICAL FUNCTION IN INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

The ability of an older adult to perform daily tasks is influenced by the age-associated reductions in the neuromuscular system. Strength training has demonstrated improvements in physical function; however, the effects of power training have rarely been studied in older adults. PURPOSE: To compare the effect of a strength and power-training program on physical function and anaerobic power in older adults. Primary outcome measures include: the Continuous Scale Physical Functional Performance (CS-PFP) test, 1RM strenght, and Wingate anaerobic power (AP). The CS-PFP test includes tasks such as vacuuming, making a bed, six-minute walk, and stair climbing. METHODS: Thirty-nine men and women (mean age = 72.56 ± 6.3) with below average lower extremity power were randomly assigned to an attention control (C; n = 15), strength (ST; n = 13), or power (PT; n = 11) training group. The intervention groups met 3d/wk for 16 weeks while the control group maintained usual activity and attended 3 lectures. RESULTS: After training, a significant improvement in 1RM (24% & 16%) and CS-PFP total score (4% & 15%) were observed in the ST & PT groups, respectively, while peak AP relative to lean thigh volume improved in the ST group (19%). After controlling for baseline, the effect size for comparisons between groups is shown below, *p < 0.05. CONCLUSION: Power training is safe and more effective than strenght training for improving physical function in older adults. Supported by the University of Georgia Gerontology Consortium Seed GrantTable: No Caption Available