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

Authors/Creators

Jennifer A. Conlon, Edith Cowan UniversityFollow
Robert U. Newton, Edith Cowan UniversityFollow
James J. Tufano, Edith Cowan UniversityFollow
Luis E. Peñailillo
Henry G. Banyard, Edith Cowan UniversityFollow
Amanda J. Hopper, Edith Cowan University
Ashley J. Ridge, Edith Cowan University
Greg G. Haff, Edith Cowan UniversityFollow

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.

Document Type

Journal Article

Date of Publication

2017

Location of the Work

Germany

Publication Title

European Journal of Applied Physiology

Publisher

Springer Verlag

School

Centre for Exercise and Sport Science Research / Exercise Medicine Research Institute

RAS ID

24592

Comments

Conlon, J. A., Newton, R. U., Tufano, J. J., Peñailillo, L. E., Banyard, H. G., Hopper, A. J., . . . Haff, G. G. (2017). The efficacy of periodised resistance training on neuromuscular adaptation in older adults. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 117(6), 1181-1194. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-017-3605-1

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