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Int J Sports Med 2009; 30(9): 652-657
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1224178
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Resistance Training and Neuromuscular Performance in Seniors

U. Granacher 1 , M. Gruber 2 , A. Gollhofer 3
  • 1Institute of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
  • 2Department of Training and Movement Science, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
  • 3Institute of Sport and Sport Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Publikationsverlauf

accepted after revision April 17, 2009

Publikationsdatum:
30. Juni 2009 (online)

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Abstract

Age-related processes in the neuromuscular and the somatosensory system are responsible for decreases in maximal and explosive force production capacity and deficits in postural control. Thus, the objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of resistance training on strength performance and on postural control in seniors. Forty healthy seniors (67±1 yrs) participated in this study. Subjects were randomly assigned to a resistance training (n=20) and a control group (n=20). Resistance training for the lower extremities lasted for 13 weeks at 80% of the one repetition maximum. Pre and post tests included the measurement of maximal isometric leg extension force with special emphasis on the early part of the force-time-curve and the assessment of static (functional reach test) and dynamic (tandem walk test, platform perturbation) postural control. Resistance training resulted in an enhanced strength performance with increases in explosive force exceeding those in maximal strength. Improved performances in the functional reach and in the tandem walk test were observed. Resistance training did not have an effect on the compensation of platform perturbations. Increases in strength performance can primarily be explained by an improved neural drive of the agonist muscles. The inconsistent effect of resistance training on postural control may be explained by heterogeneity of testing methodology or by the incapability of isolated resistance training to improve postural control.

Key words

aging - strength training - resistance training - maximal and explosive force production - balance performance - postural control

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Correspondence

Dr. U. Granacher

Institute of Exercise and Health Sciences

University of Basel

Birsstraße 320B

4052 Basel

Switzerland

Telefon: +41/61/377 87 35

Fax: +41/61/377 87 31

eMail: urs.granacher@unibas.ch