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01-06-2017 | Original Article

The efficacy of periodised resistance training on neuromuscular adaptation in older adults

Authors: Jenny A. Conlon, Robert U. Newton, James J. Tufano, Luis E. Peñailillo, Harry G. Banyard, Amanda J. Hopper, Ashley J. Ridge, G. Gregory Haff

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 6/2017

Abstract

Purpose

This study compared the effect of periodised versus non-periodised (NP) resistance training on neuromuscular adaptions in older adults.

Methods

Forty-one apparently healthy untrained older adults (female = 21, male = 20; 70.9 ± 5.1 years; 166.3 ± 8.2 cm; 72.9 ± 13.4 kg) were recruited and randomly stratified to an NP, block periodised (BP), or daily undulating periodised (DUP) training group. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and following a 22-week resistance training intervention (3 day week⁻¹), including: muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), vertical jump performance, isometric and isokinetic peak torque, isometric rate of force development (RFD), and muscle activation. Thirty-three participants satisfied all study requirements and were included in analyses (female = 17, male = 16; 71.3 ± 5.4 years; 166.3 ± 8.5 cm; 72.5 ± 13.7 kg).

Results

Block periodisation, DUP, and NP resistance training induced statistically significant improvements in muscle CSA, vertical jump peak velocity, peak power and jump height, and peak isometric and isokinetic torque of the knee extensors at 60 and 180° s⁻¹, with no between-group differences. Muscle activity and absolute RFD measures were statistically unchanged following resistance training across the entire cohort.

Conclusions

Periodised resistance training, specifically BP and DUP, and NP resistance training are equally effective for promoting increases in muscular hypertrophy, strength, and power among untrained older adults. Consequently, periodisation strategies are not essential for optimising neuromuscular adaptations during the initial stages of resistance training in the aging population.

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Title: The efficacy of periodised resistance training on neuromuscular adaptation in older adults
Authors: Jenny A. Conlon
Robert U. Newton
James J. Tufano
Luis E. Peñailillo
Harry G. Banyard
Amanda J. Hopper
Ashley J. Ridge
G. Gregory Haff
Publication date: 01-06-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 6/2017
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-017-3605-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The efficacy of periodised resistance training on neuromuscular adaptation in older adults

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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