The purpose of this study was to determine the most effective resistance training program to enhance muscle power and overall function in adults who are at risk for experiencing sarcopenia-related health declines. The term sarcopenia describes the involuntary loss of lean muscle mass that occurs during the aging process beginning in middle adulthood. Two exercise programs were examined in this study, a progressive resistance exercise (PRE) program and a periodized-power resistance (PPRT) program. The study randomized participants into two intervention groups: one group receiving periodized-power resistance training and one group receiving progressive resistance exercise training without a power component. The duration of each intervention was 12 weeks, including a shared one-week familiarization phase. Pre-testing was performed prior to the beginning of the intervention and post-testing was conducted at the conclusion of the intervention. Outcome measures included strength assessment, functional power assessment, dynamic balance assessment, and body composition analysis. Results: Nine participants completed the PRE program (mean age = 83 years) and 6 participants completed the PPRT program (mean age= 81 years). PRE participants experienced significant gains in strength as measured by the Leg press 1-RM (+27.6%) and Chest Press 1-RM (+28.7%). PPRT participants also experienced significant gains in strength in Leg Press 1-RM (+29.9%) and Chest Press 1-RM (+20.8%). PPRT participants also demonstrated significant improvements in functional power as measured by the Five-Times-Sit-To-Stand Test (FTSTS) 17.23%. However, the PRE group demonstrated no significant improvement in functional power using the same measurement. Conclusion: Both PRE and PPRT groups experienced similar significant gains in upper and lower extremity strength. The FTSTS assessment was the only outcome measure where there was significant difference between groups, suggesting that the PPRT program was more effective than the PRE program in yielding adaptations in functional power production in the study population. The study results also suggest that a Periodized Power Resistance Training Program is safe and effective for yielding both strength and power gains in the older adult population.
- The effects of a power-periodization versus a progressive resistance exercise (PRE) approach to training
- Andrew Joseph Hovanec
- Dennis Hunt (Chair) - Florida Gulf Coast UniversityKathy Swanick (Committee Member) - Florida Gulf Coast University
- Florida Gulf Coast University; Doctor in Physical Therapy
- Doctor in Physical Therapy, Florida Gulf Coast University
- text
- 67 pgs.
- fgcu_ETD_0495; 99383341502106570
- Copyright held by author.
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences; Marieb College of Health & Human Services
- English
- Thesis