Effectiveness of Eccentric-Focused Training on Muscle Strength in Older Adults : A literature review
Nordberg, Niklas (2016)
Nordberg, Niklas
Metropolia Ammattikorkeakoulu
2016
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201605127355
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201605127355
Tiivistelmä
The purpose of this review is to gather evidence of the effectiveness of eccentric-focused training in increasing muscle strength in older adults. Resistance training is known to improve the muscle strength of older adults. Everyday activities, such as walking, requires sufficient strength in concentric, isometric and eccentric contractions. Eccentric contractions consume less energy than isometric or concentric contractions. Force production in eccentric movements is also well preserved in older adults compared to the isometric and concentric contractions. It is hypothesized that utilizing this well preserved eccentric strength in training leads to increased muscle strength.
Studies focusing on eccentric training of older adults were searched from PubMed and PEDro in a systematic manner using defined keywords and inclusion criteria. A research matrix with relevant results was composed of the final selection of studies. The main findings of these studies were analysed and discussed.
The results of this review support the conclusion that eccentric-focused training is effective in increasing isometric and eccentric strength in older adults. The studies comparing concentric and eccentric training also suggest that increases in muscle strength are training specific. Eccentric training was superior in increasing eccentric strength, and vice versa for concentric training.
The practical benefit of eccentric training seems most suited for frail older adults, who have diminished muscle strength due to sarcopenia or other causes. However, there is large variability in muscle strength progress between individuals after eccentric training interventions. Based on the reviewed studies, eccentric-focused training presents as a safe and effective training method among older adults.
Studies focusing on eccentric training of older adults were searched from PubMed and PEDro in a systematic manner using defined keywords and inclusion criteria. A research matrix with relevant results was composed of the final selection of studies. The main findings of these studies were analysed and discussed.
The results of this review support the conclusion that eccentric-focused training is effective in increasing isometric and eccentric strength in older adults. The studies comparing concentric and eccentric training also suggest that increases in muscle strength are training specific. Eccentric training was superior in increasing eccentric strength, and vice versa for concentric training.
The practical benefit of eccentric training seems most suited for frail older adults, who have diminished muscle strength due to sarcopenia or other causes. However, there is large variability in muscle strength progress between individuals after eccentric training interventions. Based on the reviewed studies, eccentric-focused training presents as a safe and effective training method among older adults.