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Effect of traditional resistance and power training using rated perceived exertion for enhancement of muscle strength, power, and functional performance

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Abstract

The present study compared the effects of 12 weeks of traditional resistance training and power training using rated perceived exertion (RPE) to determine training intensity on improvements in strength, muscle power, and ability to perform functional task in older women. Thirty healthy elderly women (60–75 years) were randomly assigned to traditional resistance training group (TRT; n = 15) or power training group (PT; n = 15). Participants trained twice a week for 12 weeks using six exercises. The training protocol was designed to ascertain that participants exercised at an RPE of 13–18 (on a 6–20 scale). Maximal dynamic strength, muscle power, and functional performance of lower limb muscles were assessed. Maximal dynamic strength muscle strength leg press (≈58 %) and knee extension (≈20 %) increased significantly (p < 0.001) and similarly in both groups after training. Muscle power also increased with training (≈27 %; p < 0.05), with no difference between groups. Both groups also improved their functional performance after training period (≈13 %; p < 0.001), with no difference between groups. The present study showed that TRT and PT using RPE scale to control intensity were significantly and similarly effective in improving maximal strength, muscle power, and functional performance of lower limbs in elderly women.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sports, School of Physical Education, Faculty of Serra Gaúcha, Caxias do Sul, Brazil

    Carlos Leandro Tiggemann, Caroline Pieta Dias, Jéssica Cassales Massa & Rafael Bortoluzzi

  2. Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Univates University Center, Lajeado, Brazil

    Carlos Leandro Tiggemann

  3. Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil

    Carlos Leandro Tiggemann, Caroline Pieta Dias, Regis Radaelli, Maira Cristina Wolf Schoenell, Cristine Lima Alberton & Luiz Fernando Martins Kruel

  4. Goiano Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology, Ceres, Brazil

    Matias Noll

  5. Department of Sports, School of Physical Education, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil

    Cristine Lima Alberton

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  1. Carlos Leandro Tiggemann
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  2. Caroline Pieta Dias
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Correspondence to Carlos Leandro Tiggemann.

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Tiggemann, C.L., Dias, C.P., Radaelli, R. et al. Effect of traditional resistance and power training using rated perceived exertion for enhancement of muscle strength, power, and functional performance. AGE 38, 42 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-016-9904-3

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