A Comparison of High-Speed Power Training and Traditional Slow-Speed Resistance Training in Older Men and Women.

J Strength Cond Res. 2010 Nov 9. [Epub ahead of print] A Comparison of High-Speed Power Training and Traditional Slow-Speed Resistance Training in Older Men and Women. Sayers SP, Gibson K. Neuromuscular Research and Rehabilitation Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri. Abstract Sayers, SP and Gibson, K. A comparison of high-speed power training and traditional slow-speed resistance training in older men and women. J Strength Cond Res 24(12): 3369-3380, 2010-Muscle power, the product of force × velocity, is a critical determinant of function in older adults. Resistance training (RT) at high speed has been shown to improve peak muscle power in this population; however, different functional tasks may benefit from the improvement of power at values other than "peak" values, for example, tasks that require a greater velocity component or a greater force component. This study compared the effect of high-speed RT on muscle performance (peak power [PP] and its components [PP force and PP velocity] and overall peak velocity [VEL]) across a broad range of external resistances. Thirty-eight older men and women were randomized to high-speed power training at 40% of the 1-repetition maximum (1RM) (n = 13 [74.1 ± 6.4 years]); traditional RT at 80% 1RM (n = 13 [70.1 ± 7.0 years]); or control (n = 12 [72.8 ± 4.1 years]). Measures of muscle performance were obtained at baseline and after the 12-week training intervention. Muscle power and 1RM strength improved similarly with both high-speed and traditional slow-speed RT. However, speed-related muscle performance characteristics, PP velocity and overall VEL, were most positively impacted by high-speed power training, especially at lower external resistances. Because gains in speed-related measures with high-speed training compared to traditional RT do not come at the expense of other muscle performance outcomes, we recommend using an RT protocol in older adults that emphasizes high-speed movements at low external resistances.