Kyle Gibson

A Comparison of High-speed Power Training and Traditional Slow-speed Resistance Training in Older Men and Women

Sayers, SP and Gibson, K. A comparison of high-speed power training and traditional slow-speed resistance training in older men and women. J Strength Cond Res 24(12): 3369-3380, 2010-Muscle power, the product of force × velocity, is a critical determinant of function in older adults. Resistance training (RT) at high speed has been shown to improve peak muscle power in this population; however, different functional tasks may benefit from the improvement of power at values other than “peak” values, for example, tasks that require a greater velocity component or a greater force component. This study compared the effect of high-speed RT on muscle performance (peak power [PP] and its components [PP force and PP velocity] and overall peak velocity [VEL]) across a broad range of external resistances. Thirty-eight older men and women were randomized to high-speed power training at 40% of the 1-repetition maximum (1RM) (n = 13 [74.1 ± 6.4 years]); traditional RT at 80% 1RM (n = 13 [70.1 ± 7.0 years]); or control (n = 12 [72.8 ± 4.1 years]). Measures of muscle performance were obtained at baseline and after the 12-week training intervention. Muscle power and 1RM strength improved similarly with both high-speed and traditional slow-speed RT. However, speed-related muscle performance characteristics, PP velocity and overall VEL, were most positively impacted by high-speed power training, especially at lower external resistances. Because gains in speed-related measures with high-speed training compared to traditional RT do not come at the expense of other muscle performance outcomes, we recommend using an RT protocol in older adults that emphasizes high-speed movements at low external resistances.

Effect of high-speed power training on muscle performance, function, and pain in older adults with knee osteoarthritis: A pilot investigation†

To examine the effect of high‐speed power training (HSPT) on muscle performance, mobility‐based function, and pain in older adults with knee osteoarthritis.

Effects of High-Speed Power Training on Muscle Performance and Braking Speed in Older Adults

We examined whether high-speed power training (HSPT) improved muscle performance and braking speed using a driving simulator. 72 older adults (22 m, 50 f; age = 70.6 ± 7.3 yrs) were randomized to HSPT at 40% one-repetition maximum (1RM) (HSPT: n = 25; 3 sets of 12–14 repetitions), slow-speed strength training at 80%1RM (SSST: n = 25; 3 sets of 8–10 repetitions), or control (CON: n = 22; stretching) 3 times/week for 12 weeks. Leg press and knee extension peak power, peak power velocity, peak power force/torque, and braking speed were obtained at baseline and 12 weeks. HSPT increased peak power and peak power velocity across a range of external resistances (40–90% 1RM; P < 0.05) and improved braking speed (P < 0.05). Work was similar between groups, but perceived exertion was lower in HSPT (P < 0.05). Thus, the less strenuous HSPT exerted a broader training effect and improved braking speed compared to SSST.

Measurement of varus/valgus alignment in obese individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

Frontal plane knee malalignment may increase progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA) and hasten functional decline. An accurate nonradiographic measure of knee alignment is necessary because the gold standard measure, the long‐leg radiograph, is costly and often unavailable. Moreover, nonradiographic measures of knee alignment have not been validated in an obese population, where knee OA is common. The purpose of this study was to develop and assess the concurrent validity and reliability of a nonradiographic measure of frontal plane knee alignment and demonstrate the accuracy of the measure in an obese population.

High-speed power training in older adults: a shift of the external resistance at which peak power is produced.

Abstract Sayers, SP and Gibson, K. High-speed power training in older adults: A shift of the external resistance at which peak power is produced. J Strength Cond Res 28(3): 616–621, 2014—Studies have shown that power training increases peak power (PP) in older adults. Evaluating the external resistance (% 1 repetition maximum [1RM]) at which PP is developed is critical given that changes in the components of PP (force and velocity) are dependent on the %1RM at which PP occurs. The purpose of this study was to compare the changes in PP (and the external resistance at which PP occurred) after 12 weeks of high-speed power training (HSPT) vs. traditional slow-speed strength training (SSST). Seventy-two older men and women were randomized to HSPT at 40% of the 1RM (HSPT: n = 24 [70.8 ± 6.8 years]); traditional resistance training at 80% 1RM (SSST: n = 22 [68.6 ± 7.8 years]); or control (CON: n = 18 [71.5 ± 6.1 years]). Measures of muscle performance were obtained at baseline and after the 12-week training intervention. Changes in muscle power and 1RM strength improved similarly with both HSPT and SSST, but HSPT shifted the external resistance at which PP was produced to a lower external resistance (from 67% 1RM to 52% 1RM) compared with SSST (from 65% 1RM to 62% 1RM) (p ⩽ 0.05), thus increasing the velocity component of PP (change: HSPT = 0.18 ± 0.21 m·s−1; SSST = −0.03 ± 0.15 m·s−1) (p ⩽ 0.05). Because sufficient speed of the lower limb is necessary for functional tasks related to safety (crossing a busy intersection, fall prevention), HSPT should be implemented in older adults to improve power at lower external resistances, thus increasing the velocity component of power and making older adults safer in their environment. These data provide clinicians with the necessary information to tailor exercise programs to the individual needs of the older adult, affecting the components of power.

An evidence-based recommendation for the inclusion of specific local intrinsic factors in the study of knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE Adequate characterization of the mechanical environment of the knee with osteoarthritis (OA) is important. These local intrinsic factors are difficult to measure and there is little evidence to guide their selection. This study makes an evidence-based recommendation for the inclusion of specific factors in the future study of knee OA. METHOD Forty-six subjects with knee OA were examined. Observed function was measured by the Timed Chair Rise (TCR). Self-reported function was measured by the WOMAC Function Scale and pain was measured by the WOMAC Pain Scale. Local intrinsic factors measured included varus/valgus alignment, anterior/posterior (A/P) laxity, proprioception, isometric knee extension (KE) strength, isometric knee flexion (KF) strength, and knee range of motion (ROM). RESULTS Factors were recommended for inclusion in future research if they were significantly correlated with at least one measure of function or pain and if the factor made a significant unique contribution to a regression model when more than one local intrinsic factor was correlated with the same measure of function or pain. Alignment was correlated with pain (r=0.48, p=0.001) and WOMAC function (r=0.38, p=0.009). A/P laxity was correlated with pain (r=0.30, p=0.04) and WOMAC function (r=0.37, p=0.01). Knee ROM was correlated to WOMAC function (r=-0.35, p=0.02). KE strength was correlated with TCR (r=0.32, p=0.03). Alignment made a significant contribution to prediction of pain (p=0.003). A/P laxity (p=0.004) and ROM (p=0.008) made a significant contribution to WOMAC function. CONCLUSION We recommend future knee OA studies include the variables varus/valgus alignment, A/P laxity, ROM, and KE strength.