Explosive Force Production in Older Adults Following a Traditional Strength Training Program

Purpose: Age-related loss and atrophy of fast-twitch muscle fibers was associated with decline in explosive force production (EFP). Strength training with explosive and rapid muscle contractions has shown promise for increasing EFP in older adults. Current exercise recommendations for untrained older adults from the American College of Sports Medicine and Surgeon General do not include such activities. Using current strength training guidelines for older adults, we examined the effect of a 12-week strength training program on EFP. Methods: Subjects were 22 men and women (67.7±5.5 years) who participated in a 12-week strength training program and 5 men and women who served as controls (67.4±7.3 years). Maximal isometric strength (MVC) of the quadriceps and EFP (time to reach to 30, 60, and 90% of MVC) were recorded before and after training. Results: A significant 13% increase in strength was observed in the exercise group with no change in the control group. Explosive force production was unchanged in either group. Conclusions: Strength training consistent with current recommendations for older adults is an efficacious means of increasing strength in healthy, community-dwelling older adults but does not improve their ability to generate force quickly.