Abstract
Research underlines the potential of low-load resistance exercise in older adults. However, while the effects of detraining from high-load protocols have been established, it is not known whether gains from low-load training would be better/worse maintained. The current study evaluated the effects of 24weeks of detraining that followed 12weeks of high- and low-load resistance exercise in older adults. Fifty-six older adults (68.0±5.0years) were randomly assigned to leg press and leg extension training at either HIGH load (2×10-15 repetitions at 80% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM)), LOW load (1×80-100 repetitions at 20% of 1-RM), or LOW+ load (1×60 repetitions at 20% of 1-RM, immediately followed by 1×10-20 repetitions at 40% 1-RM). All protocols ended with volitional fatigue. The main outcome measures included mid-thigh muscle volume, leg press 1-RM, leg extension isometric and isokinetic strength, and functional performance. Tests were performed at baseline, post-intervention and after 24weeks of detraining. Results show no effect of load on preservation of muscle volume, which returned to baseline after detraining. Training-induced gains in functional capacity and isometric strength were maintained, independent of load. HIGH and LOW+ were more beneficial than LOW for long-lasting gains in training-specific 1-RM. To conclude, gains in muscle volume are reversed after 24weeks of detraining, independent of load. This emphasises the need for long-term resistance exercise adherence. The magnitude of detraining in neuromuscular and functional adaptations was similar between groups. These findings underline the value of low-load resistance exercise in older age. Clinical Trial Registration NCT01707017.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 30-37 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Experimental Gerontology |
Volume | 98 |
Early online date | 1 Aug 2017 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Nov 2017 |
Keywords
- Elderly
- Muscle hypertrophy
- Resistance exercise
- Sarcopenia
- Adaptation, Physiological
- Geriatric Assessment
- Age Factors
- Humans
- Middle Aged
- Organ Size
- Male
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed
- Exercise Test
- Resistance Training/methods
- Belgium
- Time Factors
- Aging
- Female
- Aged
- Muscle, Skeletal/diagnostic imaging
- Muscle Fatigue
- Muscle Strength
- Hypertrophy