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

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 co...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of aging and physical activity 2004-04, Vol.12 (2), p.131-143
Main Authors: Kalapotharakos, Vasilios I, Michalopoulou, Maria, Godolias, George, Tokmakidis, Savvas P, Malliou, Paraskevi V, Gourgoulis, Vasilios
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Body Composition
Exercise - physiology
Humans
Hypertrophy
Inactive
Male
Middle Aged
Muscle, Skeletal - pathology
Muscle, Skeletal - physiology
Older people
Resistance
Strength training
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Summary: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.
ISSN:1063-8652
1543-267X
DOI:10.1123/japa.12.2.131