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Int J Sports Med 2006; 27(6): 448-455
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-865785
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effects of External Light Loading in Power-type Strength Training on Muscle Power of the Lower Extremities in Middle-aged Subjects

J. Surakka1 , E. Alanen1 , S. Aunola1 , S.-L. Karppi2 , H. Pekkarinen3
  • 1National Public Health Institute, Department of Health and Functional Capacity, Turku, Finland
  • 2Social Insurance Institution, Research Department, Turku, Finland
  • 3The Department of Physiology, University of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: April 25, 2005

Publication Date:
30 August 2005 (online)

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of training either with a light load or without any load in a 16-week power-type strength training intervention in sedentary middle-aged subjects. A total of 85 subjects participated in the study. In a supervised 22-week training intervention, including 16 weeks of power-type strength training, 42 subjects (Light Load group = LL group) trained with a 1.1 kg weight on each ankle and 43 subjects (No Load group = NOL group) trained without any external load. Subjects were comparable concerning their training attendance, and anthropometric and physiological characteristics. Training effects were evaluated by measuring Vertical Squat Jump (VSJ), 20-metre Running Time (20 mRT), Maximal Anaerobic Cycling Power of leg muscles (MACP), and Maximal Oxygen Uptake (V·O2max) before and after the intervention. The LL group improved VSJ and MACP significantly (p < 0.05), compared with the NOL group. No difference between the groups was observed in 20 mRT or in V·O2max. To conclude, the external loads of 2.2 kg, in total, increased the efficiency of power-type strength training in vertical jumps and in anaerobic power in leg muscles, but not in sprint running.

Key words

Middle-aged - progression - sedentary - running technique - squat jump

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PhD J. Surakka Senior Researcher

National Public Health Institute

Peltolantie 3

20720 Turku

Finland

Phone: + 35823316741/+ 358400860147

Fax: + 3 58 23 31 67 20

Email: jukka.surakka@ktl.fi

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