The Loss of Power and Need for Power Training in Older Adults

Abstract Purpose of Review This review elucidated the mechanisms of age-related functional impairments, as well as the benefits of power training, with particular emphasis on balance recovery and fall prevention. Recent Findings The aging process leads to several changes that occur in the nervous system and in the skeletal muscle that lead to impaired neuromuscular performance, especially muscle power, i.e., the ability to produce rapid force. Consequently, older individuals experience decreased functional mobility and impaired balance and increased physical frailty and risk for falls. As a counter-measurement to these age-associated changes, power training appears to result in greater improvements than does traditional strength training, especially in high velocity/power actions and in functional mobility, balance, and fall risk. Results and discussion Power training appears to be a viable alternative to traditional strength training, resulting in at least similar improvements in performance and function, but is particularly beneficial for tasks that involve high power production, such as balance recovery and fall prevention.
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research