The effects of high- and moderate-resistance training on muscle function in the elderly.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week resistance-training program on muscle strength and mass in older adults. Thirty-three inactive participants (60-74 years old) were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: high-resistance training (HT), moderate-resistance training (MT), and control. After the training period, both HT and MT significantly increased 1-RM body strength, the peak torque of knee extensors and flexors, and the midthigh cross-sectional area of the total muscle. In addition, both HT and MT significantly decreased the abdominal circumference. HT was more effective in increasing 1-RM strength, muscle mass, and peak knee-flexor torque than was MT. These data suggest that muscle strength and mass can be improved in the elderly with both high- and moderate-intensity resistance training, but high-resistance training can lead to greater strength gains and hypertrophy than can moderate-resistance training.

• Authors: Vasilios I Kalapotharakos, Maria Michalopoulou, George Godolias, Savvas P Tokmakidis, Paraskevi V Malliou, Vasilios Gourgoulis
• Journal: Journal of aging and physical activity (J Aging Phys Act) Vol. 12 Issue 2 Pg. 131-43 (Apr 2004) ISSN: 1063-8652 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15223882 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Topics

• Aged
• Body Composition
• Exercise (physiology)
• Humans
• Hypertrophy
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Muscle, Skeletal (pathology, physiology)