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01-05-2008 | Original Article

Changes in power and force generation during coupled eccentric–concentric versus concentric muscle contraction with training and aging

Authors: Paolo Caserotti, Per Aagaard, Lis Puggaard

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 2/2008

Abstract

Age-related decline in maximal concentric muscle power is associated with frailty and functional impairments in the elderly. Compared to concentric contraction, mechanical muscle output is generally enhanced when muscles are rapidly pre-stretched (eccentric contraction), albeit less pronounced with increasing age. Exercise has been recommended to prevent loss of muscle power and function and recent guidelines indicate training program for increasing muscle power highly relevant for elderly subjects. This study examined the differences in muscle power, force and movement pattern during concentric-alone and coupled eccentric–concentric contraction and selected functional motor performances before and after 36-week multicomponent training including aerobic, strength, balance, flexibility and coordination components in elderly males. Vertical force, excursion, velocity, power and acceleration of the body center of mass were measured in two standardised vertical jumps (squatting jump, SQJ; countermovement jump, CMJ). Pre-stretch enhancement during CMJ did not improve performance [i.e., no enhanced maximal muscle power (P _peak) and jump height (JH)] compared to concentric-alone muscle contraction (SQJ). Nevertheless, pre-stretch enhancement occurred as for similar SQJ and CMJ maximal performance, elderly people employed lower mechanical work, higher mean muscle power (P _mean), shorter concentric phase duration and shorter body center of mass displacement during CMJ. Post training, CMJ P_peak, P _mean and JH increased in training group (P < 0.05) while P _peak and JH decreased in control group during the CMJ and SQJ (P < 0.05). In conclusion, long-term training counteracted the age-related decline in muscle power and functional performance observed in the control subjects, while substantial gains in muscular performance were observed in the trained elderly.

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Title: Changes in power and force generation during coupled eccentric–concentric versus concentric muscle contraction with training and aging
Authors: Paolo Caserotti
Per Aagaard
Lis Puggaard
Publication date: 01-05-2008
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 2/2008
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-008-0678-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Changes in power and force generation during coupled eccentric–concentric versus concentric muscle contraction with training and aging

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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