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.
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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)
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Topics |
- Aged
- Body Composition
- Exercise
(physiology)
- Humans
- Hypertrophy
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Muscle, Skeletal
(pathology, physiology)
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