Early adaptations to eccentric and high-velocity training on strength and functional performance in community-dwelling older adults.

The authors examined whether an eccentric training program or a high-velocity training program was more beneficial in regards to function and strength. Nineteen community-dwelling older adults, between the ages of 65 and 89 years, from a local senior center participated in the 8-week exercise program. All participants were randomly assigned to either an eccentric or a high-velocity training group. A doubly multivariate analysis of variance with 1 between-subjects factor and repeated measures was used to examine group and time differences. This analysis revealed that no differences existed between the groups (p > 0.05). However, there were within-group differences for both the high-velocity and the eccentric groups. For both groups, walking speed, 8-ft up-and-go time, chair stand, leg extension strength, leg curl strength, and leg press strength increased from preintervention to postintervention (p < 0.05). This suggests that a high-velocity training program provides similar results as an eccentric training program but with less total work. The eccentric training group trained at a higher percentage of their 1RM and tested with higher loads, which may suggest that a longer exercise program would show the eccentric training group to be stronger and more functional. Fitness practitioners dealing with an older adult population should focus on training with all types of training velocities. Not only are these types of training modalities safe for this population but they also can improve their ability to perform activities of daily living.