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Sixteen weeks of cycle ergometry improves the muscular strength and power of older men
Abstract   Peer reviewed

Sixteen weeks of cycle ergometry improves the muscular strength and power of older men

Dale Lovell, R Cuneo and G Gass
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Vol.12(Supplement 2), pp.e66-e67
Australia Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport, 7th National Physical Activity Conference, 6th National Sports Injury Prevention Conference, Be Active '09, 2009 (Brisbane, Australia, 14-Oct-2009–17-Oct-2009)
2010
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.137
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.137View
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Abstract

Human Movement and Sports Science older men aerobic training muscle mass
Introduction: It is well established that aerobic exercise can lead to improvements in VO2 max in older individuals. However the effect of aerobic training on improving the muscular strength and power of older individuals is less clear. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine if 16 weeks of cycle ergometry could increase the muscular strength and power of men aged 70-80 yr. Methods: Twenty four older men (70-80 yr) were randomly selected in a AT group (aerobic training, n = 12) and C group (Control, n = 12). Training consisted of 30-45 mins of cycle ergometry at 50-70%VO2 max three times per week for 16 weeks followed by four weeks of detraining. Leg strength and VO2 max were assessed every four weeks of training and after four weeks of detraining. Body composition and leg power were assessed before training, after 16 weeks training and after four weeks detraining. Results: Leg strength, leg power, leg lean mass (LLM) and VO2 max increased in the AT group (21±1%, 12±5%, 4±2% and 15±3% respectively, p less than 0.05) after 16 weeks of training. After four weeks of detraining all performance variables except for VO2 max had returned to pre-training values. VO2 max declined after the four weeks of detraining but remained significantly above pre-training values. Discussion: Sixteen weeks of cycle ergometry training significantly increased the leg strength and power, leg lean mass and VO2 max of men aged 70-80 yr.However after four weeks of detraining all performance variables except for VO2 maxhad returned to pre-training levels. This suggests that cycle ergometry is a sufficient stimulus to improve the neuromuscular function in older men. However when the stimulus of aerobic training is removed neuromuscular gains are quickly lost with moderate gains in VO2 max remaining.

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