TY - JOUR A1 - Beurskens, Rainer A1 - Gollhofer, Albert A1 - Mühlbauer, Thomas A1 - Cardinale, Marco A1 - Granacher, Urs T1 - Effects of Heavy-Resistance Strength and Balance Training on Unilateral and Bilateral Leg Strength Performance in Old Adults JF - PLoS one N2 - The term "bilateral deficit" (BLD) has been used to describe a reduction in performance during bilateral contractions when compared to the sum of identical unilateral contractions. In old age, maximal isometric force production (MIF) decreases and BLD increases indicating the need for training interventions to mitigate this impact in seniors. In a cross-sectional approach, we examined age-related differences in MIF and BLD in young (age: 20-30 years) and old adults (age: > 65 years). In addition, a randomized-controlled trial was conducted to investigate training-specific effects of resistance vs. balance training on MIF and BLD of the leg extensors in old adults. Subjects were randomly assigned to resistance training (n = 19), balance training (n = 14), or a control group (n = 20). Bilateral heavy-resistance training for the lower extremities was performed for 13 weeks (3 x /week) at 80% of the one repetition maximum. Balance training was conducted using predominately unilateral exercises on wobble boards, soft mats, and uneven surfaces for the same duration. Pre-and post-tests included uni-and bilateral measurements of maximal isometric leg extension force. At baseline, young subjects outperformed older adults in uni-and bilateral MIF (all p < .001; d = 2.61-3.37) and in measures of BLD (p < .001; d = 2.04). We also found significant increases in uni-and bilateral MIF after resistance training (all p < .001, d = 1.8-5.7) and balance training (all p < .05, d = 1.3-3.2). In addition, BLD decreased following resistance (p < .001, d = 3.4) and balance training (p < .001, d = 2.6). It can be concluded that both training regimens resulted in increased MIF and decreased BLD of the leg extensors (HRT-group more than BAL-group), almost reaching the levels of young adults. Y1 - 2015 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0118535 SN - 1932-6203 VL - 10 IS - 2 PB - PLoS CY - San Fransisco ER - TY - GEN A1 - Granacher, Urs A1 - Lacroix, Andre A1 - Mühlbauer, Thomas A1 - Roettger, Katrin A1 - Gollhofer, Albert T1 - Effects of core instability strength training on trunk muscle strength, spinal mobility, dynamic balance and functional mobility in older adults N2 - Background: Age-related postural misalignment, balance deficits and strength/power losses are associated with impaired functional mobility and an increased risk of falling in seniors. Core instability strength training (CIT) involves exercises that are challenging for both trunk muscles and postural control and may thus have the potential to induce benefits in trunk muscle strength, spinal mobility and balance performance. Objective: The objective was to investigate the effects of CIT on measures of trunk muscle strength, spinal mobility, dynamic balance and functional mobility in seniors. Methods: Thirty-two older adults were randomly assigned to an intervention group (INT; n = 16, aged 70.8 +/- 4.1 years) that conducted a 9-week progressive CIT or to a control group (n = 16, aged 70.2 +/- 4.5 years). Maximal isometric strength of the trunk flexors/extensors/lateral flexors (right, left)/rotators (right, left) as well as of spinal mobility in the sagittal and the coronal plane was measured before and after the intervention program. Dynamic balance (i.e. walking 10 m on an optoelectric walkway, the Functional Reach test) and functional mobility (Timed Up and Go test) were additionally tested. Results: Program compliance was excellent with participants of the INT group completing 92% of the training sessions. Significant group x test interactions were found for the maximal isometric strength of the trunk flexors (34%, p < 0.001), extensors (21%, p < 0.001), lateral flexors (right: 48%, p < 0.001; left: 53%, p < 0.001) and left rotators (42%, p < 0.001) in favor of the INT group. Further, training-related improvements were found for spinal mobility in the sagittal (11%, p < 0.001) and coronal plane (11%, p = 0.06) directions, for stride velocity (9%, p < 0.05), the coefficient of variation in stride velocity (31%, p < 0.05), the Functional Reach test (20%, p < 0.05) and the Timed Up and Go test (4%, p < 0.05) in favor of the INT group. Conclusion: CIT proved to be a feasible exercise program for seniors with a high adherence rate. Age-related deficits in measures of trunk muscle strength, spinal mobility, dynamic balance and functional mobility can be mitigated by CIT. This training regimen could be used as an adjunct or even alternative to traditional balance and/or resistance training. T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 332 KW - elderly KW - gait KW - muscle strength KW - physical performance KW - postural balance Y1 - 2017 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-399994 ER - TY - GEN A1 - Mühlbauer, Thomas A1 - Besemer, Carmen A1 - Wehrle, Anja A1 - Gollhofer, Albert A1 - Granacher, Urs T1 - Relationship between strength, power and balance performance in seniors N2 - Background: Deficits in strength, power and balance represent important intrinsic risk factors for falls in seniors. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between variables of lower extremity muscle strength/power and balance, assessed under various task conditions. Methods: Twenty-four healthy and physically active older adults (mean age: 70 8 5 years) were tested for their isometric strength (i.e. maximal isometric force of the leg extensors) and muscle power (i.e. countermovement jump height and power) as well as for their steady-state (i.e. unperturbed standing, 10-meter walk), proactive (i.e. Timed Up & Go test, Functional Reach Test) and reactive (i.e. perturbed standing) balance. Balance tests were conducted under single (i.e. standing or walking alone) and dual task conditions (i.e. standing or walking plus cognitive and motor interference task). Results: Significant positive correlations were found between measures of isometric strength and muscle power of the lower extremities (r values ranged between 0.608 and 0.720, p < 0.01). Hardly any significant associations were found between variables of strength, power and balance (i.e. no significant association in 20 out of 21 cases). Additionally, no significant correlations were found between measures of steady-state, proactive and reactive balance or balance tests performed under single and dual task conditions (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: The predominately nonsignificant correlations between different types of balance imply that balance performance is task specific in healthy and physically active seniors. Further, strength, power and balance as well as balance under single and dual task conditions seem to be independent of each other and may have to be tested and trained complementarily T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 331 KW - steady-state balance KW - proactive/reactive balance KW - force production KW - single/dual tasking KW - cognitive/motor interference Y1 - 2017 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-399970 ER - TY - GEN A1 - Granacher, Urs A1 - Lesinski, Melanie A1 - Büsch, Dirk A1 - Mühlbauer, Thomas A1 - Prieske, Olaf A1 - Puta, Christian A1 - Gollhofer, Albert A1 - Behm, David George T1 - Effects of resistance training in youth athletes on muscular fitness and athletic performance BT - a conceptual model for long-term athlete development T2 - Postprints der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe N2 - During the stages of long-term athlete development (LTAD), resistance training (RT) is an important means for (i) stimulating athletic development, (ii) tolerating the demands of long-term training and competition, and (iii) inducing long-term health promoting effects that are robust over time and track into adulthood. However, there is a gap in the literature with regards to optimal RT methods during LTAD and how RT is linked to biological age. Thus, the aims of this scoping review were (i) to describe and discuss the effects of RT on muscular fitness and athletic performance in youth athletes, (ii) to introduce a conceptual model on how to appropriately implement different types of RT within LTAD stages, and (iii) to identify research gaps from the existing literature by deducing implications for future research. In general, RT produced small -to -moderate effects on muscular fitness and athletic performance in youth athletes with muscular strength showing the largest improvement. Free weight, complex, and plyometric training appear to be well -suited to improve muscular fitness and athletic performance. In addition, balance training appears to be an important preparatory (facilitating) training program during all stages of LTAD but particularly during the early stages. As youth athletes become more mature, specificity, and intensity of RT methods increase. This scoping review identified research gaps that are summarized in the following and that should be addressed in future studies: (i) to elucidate the influence of gender and biological age on the adaptive potential following RT in youth athletes (especially in females), (ii) to describe RT protocols in more detail (i.e., always report stress and strain based parameters), and (iii) to examine neuromuscular and tendomuscular adaptations following RT in youth athletes. T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 429 KW - weight lifting KW - children KW - adolescents KW - physical fitness KW - muscle strength KW - muscle power KW - muscular endurance Y1 - 2018 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-406574 IS - 429 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Granacher, Urs A1 - Gruber, Markus A1 - Foerderer, Dominik A1 - Strass, Dieter A1 - Gollhofer, Albert T1 - Effects of ankle fatigue on functional reflex activity during gait perturbations in young and elderly men N2 - There is growing evidence that aging and muscle fatigue result in impaired postural reflexes in humans. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effects of ankle fatigue on functional reflex activity (ERA) during gait perturbations in young and elderly men. Twenty-eight young (27.0 +/- 3.1 years, n = 14) and old (67.2 +/- 3.7 years, n = 14) healthy active men participated in this study. Fatigue of the plantarflexors and dorsiflexors was induced by isokinetic contractions. Pre and post-fatigue, subjects were tested for their ability to compensate for decelerating gait perturbations while walking on a treadmill. Latency, ERA of lower extremity muscles and angular velocity of the ankle joint complex were analysed by means of surface electromyography and goniometry. After the fatigue protocol, no significant main and interaction effects were detected for the parameter latency in m. tibialis anterior (TA). For both groups, a significant pre to post-test decrease in ERA in TA (P<.001) was observed coming along with increases in antagonist coactivity (P=.013) and maximal angular velocity of the ankle joint (p=.007). However, no significant group x test interactions were found for the three parameters. Ankle fatigue has an impact on the ability to compensate for gait perturbations in young and elderly adults. However, no significant differences in all analysed parameters were detected between young and elderly subjects. These results may imply that age-related deteriorations in the postural control system do not specifically affect the ability to compensate for gait perturbations under fatigued condition. Y1 - 2010 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/09666362 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2010.03.016 SN - 0966-6362 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Granacher, Urs A1 - Gruber, Markus A1 - Gollhofer, Albert T1 - Resistance training and neuromuscular performance in seniors N2 - Age-related processes in the neuromuscular and the somatosensory system are responsible for decreases in maximal and explosive force production capacity and deficits in postural control. Thus, the objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of resistance training on strength performance and on postural control in seniors. Forty healthy seniors (67 +/- 1 yrs) participated in this study. Subjects were randomly assigned to a resistance training (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). Resistance training for the lower extremities lasted for 13 weeks at 80% of the one repetition maximum. Pre and post tests included the measurement of maximal isometric leg extension force with special emphasis on the early part of the force-time-curve and the assessment of static (functional reach test) and dynamic (tandem walk test, platform perturbation) postural control. Resistance training resulted I in an enhanced strength performance with increases I in explosive force exceeding those in maximal strength. Improved performances in the functional reach and in the tandem walk test were observed. Resistance training did not have an effect: on the compensation of platform perturbations. Increases in strength performance can primarily be explained by an improved neural drive of the agonist muscles. The inconsistent effect of resistance training on postural control may be explained by heterogeneity of testing methodology or by the incapability of isolated resisiance training to improve postural control. Y1 - 2009 UR - http://www.thieme-connect.de/ejournals/toc/sportsmed U6 - https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0029-1224178 SN - 0172-4622 ER - TY - GEN A1 - Lesinski, Melanie A1 - Hortobagyi, Tibor A1 - Mühlbauer, Thomas A1 - Gollhofer, Albert A1 - Granacher, Urs T1 - Dose-Response Relationships of Balance Training in Healthy Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (vol 45, pg 557, 2015) T2 - Sports medicine Y1 - 2016 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-016-0499-8 SN - 0112-1642 SN - 1179-2035 VL - 46 SP - 455 EP - 455 PB - Springer CY - Northcote ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Granacher, Urs A1 - Lesinski, Melanie A1 - Buesch, Dirk A1 - Mühlbauer, Thomas A1 - Prieske, Olaf A1 - Puta, Christian A1 - Gollhofer, Albert A1 - Behm, David George T1 - Effects of Resistance Training in Youth Athletes on Muscular Fitness and Athletic Performance: A Conceptual Model for Long-Term Athlete Development JF - Frontiers in physiology N2 - During the stages of long-term athlete development (LTAD), resistance training (RT) is an important means for (i) stimulating athletic development, (ii) tolerating the demands of long-term training and competition, and (iii) inducing long-term health promoting effects that are robust over time and track into adulthood. However, there is a gap in the literature with regards to optimal RT methods during LTAD and how RT is linked to biological age. Thus, the aims of this scoping review were (i) to describe and discuss the effects of RT on muscular fitness and athletic performance in youth athletes, (ii) to introduce a conceptual model on how to appropriately implement different types of RT within LTAD stages, and (iii) to identify research gaps from the existing literature by deducing implications for future research. In general, RT produced small -to -moderate effects on muscular fitness and athletic performance in youth athletes with muscular strength showing the largest improvement. Free weight, complex, and plyometric training appear to be well -suited to improve muscular fitness and athletic performance. In addition, balance training appears to be an important preparatory (facilitating) training program during all stages of LTAD but particularly during the early stages. As youth athletes become more mature, specificity, and intensity of RT methods increase. This scoping review identified research gaps that are summarized in the following and that should be addressed in future studies: (i) to elucidate the influence of gender and biological age on the adaptive potential following RT in youth athletes (especially in females), (ii) to describe RT protocols in more detail (i.e., always report stress and strain based parameters), and (iii) to examine neuromuscular and tendomuscular adaptations following RT in youth athletes. KW - weight lifting KW - children KW - adolescents KW - physical fitness KW - muscle strength KW - muscle power KW - muscular endurance Y1 - 2016 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2016.00164 SN - 1664-042X VL - 7 PB - Frontiers Research Foundation CY - Lausanne ER - TY - GEN A1 - Beurskens, Rainer A1 - Mühlbauer, Thomas A1 - Granacher, Urs A1 - Gollhofer, Albert A1 - Cardinale, Marco T1 - Effects of heavy-resistance strength and balance training on unilateral and bilateral leg strength performance in old adults N2 - The term “bilateral deficit” (BLD) has been used to describe a reduction in performance during bilateral contractions when compared to the sum of identical unilateral contractions. In old age, maximal isometric force production (MIF) decreases and BLD increases indicating the need for training interventions to mitigate this impact in seniors. In a cross-sectional approach, we examined age-related differences in MIF and BLD in young (age: 20–30 years) and old adults (age: >65 years). In addition, a randomized-controlled trial was conducted to investigate training-specific effects of resistance vs. balance training on MIF and BLD of the leg extensors in old adults. Subjects were randomly assigned to resistance training (n = 19), balance training (n = 14), or a control group (n = 20). Bilateral heavy-resistance training for the lower extremities was performed for 13 weeks (3 × / week) at 80% of the one repetition maximum. Balance training was conducted using predominately unilateral exercises on wobble boards, soft mats, and uneven surfaces for the same duration. Pre- and post-tests included uni- and bilateral measurements of maximal isometric leg extension force. At baseline, young subjects outperformed older adults in uni- and bilateral MIF (all p < .001; d = 2.61–3.37) and in measures of BLD (p < .001; d = 2.04). We also found significant increases in uni- and bilateral MIF after resistance training (all p < .001, d = 1.8-5.7) and balance training (all p < .05, d = 1.3-3.2). In addition, BLD decreased following resistance (p < .001, d = 3.4) and balance training (p < .001, d = 2.6). It can be concluded that both training regimens resulted in increased MIF and decreased BLD of the leg extensors (HRT-group more than BAL-group), almost reaching the levels of young adults. T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - paper 268 Y1 - 2015 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-73448 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Beurskens, Rainer A1 - Mühlbauer, Thomas A1 - Granacher, Urs A1 - Gollhofer, Albert A1 - Cardinale, Marco T1 - Effects of heavy-resistance strength and balance training on unilateral and bilateral leg strength performance in old adults JF - PLoS one N2 - The term “bilateral deficit” (BLD) has been used to describe a reduction in performance during bilateral contractions when compared to the sum of identical unilateral contractions. In old age, maximal isometric force production (MIF) decreases and BLD increases indicating the need for training interventions to mitigate this impact in seniors. In a cross-sectional approach, we examined age-related differences in MIF and BLD in young (age: 20–30 years) and old adults (age: >65 years). In addition, a randomized-controlled trial was conducted to investigate training-specific effects of resistance vs. balance training on MIF and BLD of the leg extensors in old adults. Subjects were randomly assigned to resistance training (n = 19), balance training (n = 14), or a control group (n = 20). Bilateral heavy-resistance training for the lower extremities was performed for 13 weeks (3 × / week) at 80% of the one repetition maximum. Balance training was conducted using predominately unilateral exercises on wobble boards, soft mats, and uneven surfaces for the same duration. Pre- and post-tests included uni- and bilateral measurements of maximal isometric leg extension force. At baseline, young subjects outperformed older adults in uni- and bilateral MIF (all p < .001; d = 2.61–3.37) and in measures of BLD (p < .001; d = 2.04). We also found significant increases in uni- and bilateral MIF after resistance training (all p < .001, d = 1.8-5.7) and balance training (all p < .05, d = 1.3-3.2). In addition, BLD decreased following resistance (p < .001, d = 3.4) and balance training (p < .001, d = 2.6). It can be concluded that both training regimens resulted in increased MIF and decreased BLD of the leg extensors (HRT-group more than BAL-group), almost reaching the levels of young adults. Y1 - 2015 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0118535 SN - 1932-6203 PB - Public Library of Science CY - Lawrence, Kan. ER -