A unique form of light-load training improves steadiness and performance on some functional tasks in older adults. 2014

H Kobayashi, and Y Koyama, and R M Enoka, and S Suzuki
Graduate School of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Mikajima, Tokorozawa, Japan.

Beginning Movement Load (BML) training is a unique form of light-load training that comprises a lengthening-shortening sequence of muscle actions about multiple degrees of freedom. The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of BML training at improving the performance of old adults on four functional tasks and to identify some of the neuromuscular adaptations that contributed to these gains. Healthy old adults (67.5 ± 5.23 years) were randomly assigned to either a BML training group (n = 17) or a control group (n = 7). The training group exercised with a 30% of the one repetition-maximum (1-RM) load and performed five to seven sets of 15 repetitions, three times per week for 8 weeks. BML training increased maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force significantly for the knee extensors (31.6%), but not the elbow flexors (9.8%), and improved the steadiness of isometric contractions (10%, 30%, and 65% MVC forces). Training-associated changes in times for ascending and descending stairs and one-legged balance, but not the chair rise, were predicted by changes in selected combinations of MVC force and steadiness. The attributes of BML training that enabled it to elicit functionally meaningful adaptations in the neuromuscular system of older adults should be explored with more mechanistic studies.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007537 Isometric Contraction Muscular contractions characterized by increase in tension without change in length. Contraction, Isometric,Contractions, Isometric,Isometric Contractions
D007719 Knee Joint A synovial hinge connection formed between the bones of the FEMUR; TIBIA; and PATELLA. Superior Tibiofibular Joint,Joint, Knee,Joint, Superior Tibiofibular,Knee Joints,Superior Tibiofibular Joints,Tibiofibular Joint, Superior
D008297 Male Males
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D009119 Muscle Contraction A process leading to shortening and/or development of tension in muscle tissue. Muscle contraction occurs by a sliding filament mechanism whereby actin filaments slide inward among the myosin filaments. Inotropism,Muscular Contraction,Contraction, Muscle,Contraction, Muscular,Contractions, Muscle,Contractions, Muscular,Inotropisms,Muscle Contractions,Muscular Contractions
D004551 Elbow Joint A hinge joint connecting the FOREARM to the ARM. Elbow Joints,Joint, Elbow,Joints, Elbow
D004576 Electromyography Recording of the changes in electric potential of muscle by means of surface or needle electrodes. Electromyogram,Surface Electromyography,Electromyograms,Electromyographies,Electromyographies, Surface,Electromyography, Surface,Surface Electromyographies
D004856 Postural Balance A POSTURE in which an ideal body mass distribution is achieved. Postural balance provides the body carriage stability and conditions for normal functions in stationary position or in movement, such as sitting, standing, or walking. Postural Control,Posture Balance,Posture Control,Posture Equilibrium,Balance, Postural,Musculoskeletal Equilibrium,Postural Equilibrium,Balance, Posture,Control, Postural,Control, Posture,Equilibrium, Musculoskeletal,Equilibrium, Postural,Equilibrium, Posture,Postural Controls,Posture Balances,Posture Controls,Posture Equilibriums
D005260 Female Females
D005684 Gait Manner or style of walking. Gaits

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