Influence of counter-resistance training variables on elderly muscular strength: a systematic review with emphasis on dose/response relationships

Muscular force is considered an important component of physical exercise programs. The results of this type of training depend on the combination of the number of repetitions, series, overload, sequence and intervals between series and exercises. However, it is still not very clear yet what the best combination of these variables for a good stimulus/response relationship in elderly people is. The objective of this study was to analyze the research on power-training for elderly people by means of systematic revision, with the intention to identify common trends in terms of effect of the training provoked by the manipulation of these variables. After definition of inclusion criteria, 22 cases were selected and grouped by treatment similarity (number of series; weekly frequency; intensity; intervals and order of the exercises). Techniques of descriptive statistics were used in order to determine possible trends in the stimulus/response relationship. Once identified, these trends were qualitatively analyzed. Among the variables revised, only for intensity of overload evidence that allows affirming that heavier loads would be more effective to induce force increase in this age group was found. Concerning the remaining variables, the results available in the literature do not support accurate inferences in terms of the best type of training program that connects effectiveness and safety. Therefore further studies should be conducted in order to experimentally compare the effects of the manipulation of these variables on muscular force in elderly people.

Aging; Power-training; Prescribed exercises