TY - JOUR A1 - Beijersbergen, Chantal M. I. A1 - Granacher, Urs A1 - Gaebler, Martijn A1 - DeVita, Paul A1 - Hortobagyi, Tibor T1 - Hip mechanics underlie lower extremity power training-induced increase in old adults’ fast gait velocity BT - the Potsdam Gait Study (POGS) JF - Gait & posture N2 - Methods: As part of the Potsdam Gait Study (POGS), healthy old adults completed a no-intervention control period (69.1 +/- 4A yrs, n =14) or a power training program followed by detraining (72.9 +/- 5.4 yrs, n = 15).We measured isokinetic knee extensor and plantarflexor power and measured hip, knee and ankle kinetics at habitual, fast and standardized walking speeds. Results: Power training significantly increased isokinetic knee extensor power (25%), plantarflexor power (43%), and fast gait velocity (5.9%). Gait mechanics underlying the improved fast gait velocity included increases in hip angular impulse (29%) and H1 work (37%) and no changes in positive knee (K2) and A2 work. Detraining further improved fast gait velocity (4.7%) with reductions in H1(-35%), and increases in K2 (36%) and A2 (7%). Conclusion: Power training increased fast gait velocity in healthy old adults by increasing the reliance on hip muscle function and thus further strengthened the age-related distal-to-proximal shift in muscle function. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. KW - Walking KW - Biomechanics KW - Detraining KW - Muscle KW - Exercise Y1 - 2017 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2016.12.024 SN - 0966-6362 SN - 1879-2219 VL - 52 SP - 338 EP - 344 PB - Elsevier CY - Clare ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Lacroix, Andre A1 - Kressig, Reto W. A1 - Mühlbauer, Thomas A1 - Gschwind, Yves J. A1 - Pfenninger, Barbara A1 - Bruegger, Othmar A1 - Granacher, Urs T1 - Effects of a Supervised versus an Uniupervised Combined Balance and Strength Training Program on Balance and Muscle Power in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial JF - Gerontology N2 - Background: Losses in lower extremity muscle strength/power, muscle mass and deficits in static and particularly dynamic balance due to aging are associated with impaired functional performance and an increased fall risk. It has been shown that the combination of balance and strength training (BST) mitigates these age-related deficits. However, it is unresolved whether supervised versus unsupervised BST is equally effective in improving muscle power and balance in older adults. Objective:This study examined the impact of a 12-week BST program followed by 12 weeks of detraining on measures of balance and muscle power in healthy older adults enrolled in supervised (SUP) or unsupervised (UNSUP) training. Methods: Sixty-six older adults (men: 25, women: 41; age 73 4 years) were randomly assigned to a SUP group (2/week supervised training, 1/week unsupervised training; n = 22), an UNSUP group (3/week unsupervised training; n = 22) or a passive control group (CON; n = 22). Static (i.e., Romberg Test) and dynamic (i.e., 10-meter walk test) steady-state, proactive (i.e., Timed Up and Go Test, Functional Reach Test), and reactive balance (e.g., Push and Release Test), as well as lower extremity muscle power (i.e., Chair Stand Test; Stair Ascent and Descent Test) were tested before and after the active training phase as well as after detraining. Results: Adherence rates to training were 92% for SUP and 97% for UNSUP. BST resulted in significant group x time interactions. Post hoc analyses showed, among others, significant training-related improvements for the Romberg Test, stride velocity, Timed Up and Go Test, and Chair Stand Test in favor of the SUP group. Following detraining, significantly enhanced performances (compared to baseline) were still present in 13 variables for the SUP group and in 10 variables for the UNSUP group. Conclusion: Twelve weeks of BST proved to be safe (no training-related injuries) and feasible (high attendance rates of >90%). Deficits of balance and lower extremity muscle power can be mitigated by BST in healthy older adults. Additionally, supervised as compared to unsupervised BST was more effective. Thus, it is recommended to counteract intrinsic fall risk factors by applying supervised BST programs for older adults. (C) 2015 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel KW - Sensorimotor training KW - Resistance training KW - Gym-based/home-based training KW - Detraining KW - Seniors Y1 - 2016 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1159/000442087 SN - 0304-324X SN - 1423-0003 VL - 62 SP - 275 EP - 288 PB - Karger CY - Basel ER -