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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-03-2018 | Original Article

Weight bearing exercise can elicit similar peak muscle activation as medium–high intensity resistance exercise in elderly women

Authors: Remco J. Baggen, Evelien Van Roie, Jaap H. van Dieën, Sabine M. Verschueren, Christophe Delecluse

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 3/2018

Abstract

Purpose

To assess whether stepping-based weight bearing exercise (WBE) can elicit peak activation of upper leg muscles similar to resistance exercise (RE) at an intensity required to induce strength gains in elderly women.

Methods

Muscular activation of several upper leg muscles was measured during RE and WBE in a cohort of 19 healthy elderly women (69.3 ± 3.4 years). WBE consisted of forward and lateral stepping with step heights of 10, 20 and 30 cm. Muscular activation was compared to 60% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM) of congruent RE.

Results

Peak activation during WBE was higher than RE at 60% 1-RM during forward and lateral stepping in vastus lateralis starting at 20 cm (p = 0.049 and p = 0.001), and biceps femoris at 30 cm step height (p = 0.024 and p = 0.030). Gluteus maximus peak activation matched RE at 60% 1-RM at 20 and 30 cm step height regardless of step direction (p ≥ 0.077). Peak activation of the rectus femoris and gluteus medius matched RE activation at 60% 1-RM during lateral stepping at 30 cm (p = 0.355 and p = 0.243, respectively) but not during forward stepping. WBE did not induce similar activation as RE in the semitendinosus.

Conclusion

In WBE, most upper leg muscles were recruited at an equal or higher intensity than in RE at 60% 1-RM. Lateral stepping at 30 cm step height showed the highest training potential of all WBE’s applied.

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Title: Weight bearing exercise can elicit similar peak muscle activation as medium–high intensity resistance exercise in elderly women
Authors: Remco J. Baggen
Evelien Van Roie
Jaap H. van Dieën
Sabine M. Verschueren
Christophe Delecluse
Publication date: 01-03-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 3/2018
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-017-3793-8

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Weight bearing exercise can elicit similar peak muscle activation as medium–high intensity resistance exercise in elderly women

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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