Abstract

Strength training has been suggested as a more effective type of resistance training for older adults to function. It is not yet known whether older adults respond appropriately to strength training versus strength training guidelines. The purpose of this study was to determine speed during strength and strength training, with elastic resistance bands, in older adults participating in a geriatric rehabilitation day program. It has been hypothesized that strength training will be faster than strength training, but there will be large individual differences. Nine patients aged 70 to 86 years performed strength training and strength training of the dorsal and plantar flexors using elastic resistance bands.Training sessions are filmed to assess training speed. Strength training happens at a faster pace than strength training for both muscle groups. However, a large difference was observed between the participants in terms of training speed. Older adults undergoing geriatric rehabilitation are likely to develop contractions more quickly during strength training than during strength training. However, the actual speed achieved varies between individuals. This may explain some of the mixed findings in strength training studies. Therefore, researchers should monitor speed when comparing different types of resistance training.