Improving Power Output in Older Adults Using Plyometrics in a Body Mass–Supported Treadmill

Dobbs, TJ, Simonson, SR, and Conger, SA. Improving power output in older adults using plyometrics in a body mass–supported treadmill. J Strength Cond Res 32(9): 2458–2465, 2018—The purpose of this study was to determine if performing plyometrics in a body mass–supported treadmill would lead to greater increases in power output and functional strength in older adults compared with traditional strength training. Twenty-three participants were randomized to strength (SG, n = 8), plyometric (PG, n = 8), or control (CG, n = 7) groups. The SG and PG exercised 3 times per week for 8 weeks, whereas the CG performed no exercise. Timed sit-to-stand and stair climb, estimated maximal muscular isotonic strength, and isokinetic strength were assessed pre- and posttraining. Significant improvements occurred in the PG vs. CG in the timed chair sit-to-stand (22.11 ± 8.48%; p = 0.013), timed stair climb (14.68 ± 6.28%; p = 0.002), and stair climb power (16.59 ± 9.07%; p
Source: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research - Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Original Research Source Type: research