Abstract
Purpose
We compared the effects of suspension training (ST) with traditional resistance training (TRT) on muscle mass, strength and functional performance in older adults.
Methods
Forty-two untrained older adults were randomized in TRT, ST (both performed 3 sets of whole body exercises to muscle failure) or control group (CON). Muscle thickness (MT) of biceps brachii (MTBB) and vastus lateralis (MTVL), maximal dynamic strength test (1RM) for biceps curl (1RMBC) and leg extension exercises (1RMLE), and functional performance tests (chair stand [CS], timed up and go [TUG] and maximal gait speed [MGS]) were performed before and after 12 weeks of training.
Results
MTBB increased significantly and similarly for all training groups (TRT 23.35%; ST 21.56%). MTVL increased significantly and similarly for all training groups (TRT 13.03%; ST 14.07%). 1RMBC increased significantly and similarly for all training groups (TRT 16.06%; ST 14.33%). 1RMLE increased significantly and similarly for all training groups (TRT 14.89%; ST 18.06%). MGS increased significantly and similarly for all groups (TRT 6.26%; ST 5.99%; CON 2.87%). CS decreased significantly and similarly for all training groups (TRT − 20.80%; ST − 15.73%). TUG decreased significantly and similarly for all training groups (TRT − 8.66%; ST − 9.16%).
Conclusion
Suspension training (ST) promotes similar muscle mass, strength and functional performance improvements compared to TRT in older adults.
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Abbreviations
- 1RM:
-
Maximal dynamic strength test
- 1RMBC :
-
Biceps curl maximal dynamic strength test
- 1RMLE :
-
Leg extension maximal dynamic strength test
- CON:
-
Control group
- CS:
-
Chair Stand
- CV:
-
Coefficient of variation
- ES:
-
Effect sizes
- MGS:
-
Maximal gait speed
- MT:
-
Muscle thickness
- MTBB :
-
Biceps brachii muscle thickness
- MTVL :
-
Vastus lateralis muscle thickness
- RT:
-
Resistance training
- ST:
-
Suspension training
- TE:
-
Typical error
- TRT:
-
Traditional resistance training
- TUG:
-
Timed up and go
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Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge the grants provided by São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) (#2017/05331-6 to VA) and National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) (#302801/ 2018-9 to CL). We also acknowledge all the subjects who participated in this study and Supley Laboratório de Alimentos e Suplementos Nutricionais (Max Titanium, São Paulo, Brazil) for donating whey protein.
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Conceptualization: SDS, VA and CAL. Data curation: SDS, DGS, JGAB, VA, RAMJ, NFD and CAL. Formal analysis: SDS, DGS, JGAB, VA and CAL. Investigation: SDS, DGS, JGAB, VA, RAMJ, NFD, MCC and CAL. Methodology: SDS, DGS, JGAB, VA, RAMJ, NFD, MCC and CAL. Project administration: SDS and CAL. Supervision: SDS and CAL. Writing, review and editing: SDS, DGS, JGAB, VA, SRN, MCC and CAL.
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Communicated by Toshio Moritani.
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Soligon, S.D., da Silva, D.G., Bergamasco, J.G.A. et al. Suspension training vs. traditional resistance training: effects on muscle mass, strength and functional performance in older adults. Eur J Appl Physiol 120, 2223–2232 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04446-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04446-x