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Int J Sports Med 2009; 30(3): 200-204
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1104584
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effects of Power Training on Muscle Thickness of Older Men

W. Nogueira 1 , P. Gentil 2 , S. N. M. Mello 1 , R. J. Oliveira 1 , A. J. C. Bezerra 1 , M. Bottaro 2
  • 1College of Physical Education, Catholic University of Brasilia, Taguatinga, Brazil
  • 2College of Physical Education, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision August 25, 2008

Publication Date:
06 February 2009 (online)

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Abstract

The present study aimed at comparing the effects of traditional resistance training (TRT) and power training (PT) in inducing muscle hypertrophy in older men. Twenty older men (aged between 69 and 76 years) were divided in two groups: TRT training (n=9) and PT training (n=11). The volunteers trained twice a week, during 10 weeks. Both groups performed an equal work output and the same exercises with loads between 40% and 60% of 1 RM. Three sets of eight repetitions of each exercise were performed with rest intervals of 90 s between sets. Muscle thickness was measured by ultrasound at the biceps brachii (BIC) and rectus femoris (RF), using a 12 MHz high resolution scanning probe. An ANCOVA was used to compare post training muscle thickness values between TRT and PT, using baseline values as covariates. According to the results, RF muscle thickness increased only in PT, while BIC muscle thickness increased in both groups, but with larger increases in PT. In conclusion, ten weeks of PT induced muscle hypertrophy of the upper and lower limb muscles in older men. PT training may yield better results in muscle hypertrophy when compared with TRT.

Key words

resistance training - aging - power training - muscle thickness - muscle hypertrophy

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Correspondence

P. Gentil

College of Physical Education

University of Brasilia

72.910-910 Brasilia

Brazil

Phone: 55/61/3307 20 85

Fax: 55/61/3307 20 85

Email: paulogentil@hotmail.com