56 Thus, the efficacy of resistance training inventions for improving muscle strength in older women is critical. Notably, studies involving older adults have consistently reported significant gains in muscle strength following resistance training programs.83, 86, 87, 88, 89 and 90 Previous studies have indicated that age-related declines in muscle mass and muscle strength are independent and may differentially impact physical function. Therefore, Peterson et al.91 conducted a meta-analysis exploring the relationship between resistance training and muscle strength in men and women ≥50 years. There were significant percentage

changes for leg press (+29%) and knee extension (+33%) following resistance training. Although explored, there was no relationship between sex and strength gains, indicating that both older men and older women achieved FRAX597 order significant strength gains via resistance training.91 Despite this, findings comparing the magnitude of improvements in muscle strength in older men and women following resistance training are inconclusive; studies have reported that gains across sexes selleck chemical are similar,92 and 93 smaller

in women,94 or larger in women.95 In accordance with previous studies,92 and 93 it was recently reported that older men and women responded similarly to a 6-month resistance training program; both groups experienced comparable gains in one-repetition maximum for knee extension strength too (42% and 43%, respectively).81 Moreover, Radaelli and colleagues89 compared low-volume (1 set) and high-volume (3 sets) resistance training in older women. They reported both groups significantly improved one-repetition maximums in four different exercises, with no significant differences between training groups. However, with regard to intensity of training, higher intensity interventions are associated with a greater magnitude of improvement in muscle strength.91 Thus, the efficacy of resistance training interventions for improving muscle

strength in older adults is likely impacted by several training variables, including duration, volume, and intensity. In summary, extensive literature supports the significant, beneficial effects of resistance training on muscle strength in older adults. As recent literature has concentrated on the importance of muscle power for physical function in older adults,24, 72, 96, 97, 98 and 99 an increasing number of exercise interventions have specifically focused on improving muscle power through resistance training. These studies generally involve high-velocity resistance training for the major lower-extremity muscle groups as they are highly activated during ambulation and mobility. There is cogent evidence that resistance training involving explosive movements significantly increases muscle power in older adults,17, 88, 90, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 and 105 with some studies reporting gains >60%.