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Functional mobility of older adults after concentric and eccentric endurance exercise

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Abstract

Age-associated decline in muscle mass and strength impairs functional mobility in older adults. We examined the effects of an eccentric endurance exercise programme (downhill treadmill walking, DTW) at a self-selected walking speed (SSWS) on functional mobility and eccentric and concentric strength of m. quadriceps femoris of older adults. Twenty-four older adults (67 ± 4 years) were randomly assigned to complete 3 × 30 min treadmill walks per week for 12 weeks on a level (n = 11, LTW 0%) or downhill (n = 13, DTW −10%) treadmill gradient at SSWS. SSWS was re-adjusted every 4 weeks. Participants were assessed for five repetition sit-to-stand (5-RSTS), maximal walking speed (MWS), timed up-and-go (TUG) and dynamic strength. SSWS was similar for both groups with increases from 1.18 ± 0.11 to 1.53 ± 0.09 m s−1 (LTW) and 1.26 ± 0.16 to 1.61 ± 0.12 m s−1 (DTW) (time, P < 0.01). Improvements in 5-RSTS, MWS and TUG were substantial and similar for both groups (time, P < 0.01). 5-RSTS (baseline LTW: 8.50 ± 1.19 s, DTW: 8.54 ± 1.52 s) improved by 32 and 34%. MWS (baseline LTW: 2.39 ± 0.38 m s−1, DTW: 2.40 ± 0.33 m s−1) improved by 22 and 23%. TUG (baseline LTW: 5.58 ± 0.51 s, DTW: 5.46 ± 0.89 s) improved by 22% for both groups. Peak eccentric and concentric torque did not change. Knee angle of concentric peak torque (180° s−1) was decreased after 12 weeks in both groups (LTW: 37° ± 16° to 26° ± 14°, DTW: 42° ± 18° to 37° ± 16°, P < 0.05). Regular level and downhill treadmill walking by older adults, at a SSWS, results in substantial improvements in functional mobility. Changes in functional mobility were not explained by changes in dynamic strength of the m. quadriceps femoris.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Chichester, College Lane, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6PE, UK

    Mandy Lucinda Gault, Richard Edward Clements & Mark Elizabeth Theodorus Willems

  2. School of Science, Technology and Health, University Campus Suffolk, Waterfront Building, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1QJ, UK

    Mandy Lucinda Gault

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  1. Mandy Lucinda Gault
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  2. Richard Edward Clements
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  3. Mark Elizabeth Theodorus Willems
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Correspondence to Mark Elizabeth Theodorus Willems.

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Communicated by Alain Martin.

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Gault, M.L., Clements, R.E. & Willems, M.E.T. Functional mobility of older adults after concentric and eccentric endurance exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol 112, 3699–3707 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-012-2338-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-012-2338-4

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