title: Three-month bilateral hopping intervention is ineffective in initiating bone biomarker response in healthy elderly men Effects of different doses of high-speed resistance training on physical performance and quality of life in older women: a randomized controlled trial The efficacy of periodised resistance training on neuromuscular adaptation in older adults Age- and gender-related test performance in community-dwelling elderly people: Six-Minute Walk Test, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up & Go Test, and gait speeds. Effects of 24 Weeks of Whole Body Vibration Versus Multicomponent Training on Muscle Strength and Body Composition in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial. A multi-component exercise regimen to prevent functional decline and bone fragility in home-dwelling elderly women: randomized, controlled trial Maintenance of exercise-induced benefits in physical functioning and bone among elderly women Effects of exercise on health-related quality of life and fear of falling in home-dwelling older women. Effect of elastic energy and myoelectrical potentiation of triceps surae during stretch-shortening cycle exercise. The Osteogenic Effect of Impact-Loading and Resistance Exercise on Bone Mineral Density in Middle-Aged and Older Men: A Pilot Study Tai Chi and fall reductions in older adults: a randomized controlled trial. Neuromuscular mechanics and hopping training in elderly Combined resistance and balance-jumping exercise reduces older women's injurious falls and fractures: 5-year follow-up study. The Effect of Two Plyometric Training Techniques on Muscular Power and Agility in Youth Soccer Players Jumping combined exercise programs reduce fall risk and improve balance and life quality of elderly people who live in a long-term care facility. Effects of Plyometric Training Volume and Training Surface on Explosive Strength Jump training is feasible for nearly ambulatory patients after stroke Maximal and explosive force production capacity and balance performance in men of different ages Periodization Strategies in Older Adults: Impact on Physical Function and Health. Pre- and postmenopausal women have different bone mineral density responses to the same high-impact exercise. Reliability of the PEDro scale for rating quality of randomized controlled trials. High impact exercise increased femoral neck bone mineral density in older men: a randomised unilateral intervention. 3 Different types of strength training in older women. High-speed resistance training in elderly women: Effects of cluster training sets on functional performance and quality of life Effects of exercise on bone density and falls risk factors in post-menopausal women with osteopenia: a randomised controlled trial.
abstract: In animal studies , bone adaptation has been initiated successfully without the transient force spike associated with high impact exercises . Consequently , a 12-week bilateral hopping on the balls of the feet intervention was conducted . 25 elderly men ( age 72(SD4 ) years , height 171(6 ) cm , weight 75(9 ) kg ) were r and omly assigned into exercise and control groups . Ten subjects in each group completed the study .  Carboxyterminal propeptide of type I collagen ( CICP ) , bone-specific alkaline phosphatase ( bALP ) and carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen ( CTx ) were measured from venous blood sample s at baseline , at 2 weeks and at the end of the intervention . Maximal ground reaction force ( GRF ) , osteogenic index ( OI ) and jump height ( JH ) were determined from bilateral hopping test and balance was assessed with velocity of center of pressure ( COPvelocity ) while st and ing on the preferred leg with eyes open . The intervention consisted of 5–7 sets of 10 s timed bilateral hopping exercise at 75–90 % intensity three times/week . There was no significant group × time interaction for GRF , OI and JH ( P = 0.065 ) . GRF ( 11 % change from baseline vs. 4 % ) , OI ( 15 vs. 6 % ) and COPvelocity ( −10 vs. −1 % ) were not influenced by the intervention ( P > 0.170 ) , while the control group improved JH ( P = 0.031 ) ( 2 vs. 18 % ) . For the biomarkers , no effect was observed in MANOVA ( P = 0.536 ) or in univariate analyses ( P = 0.082 to P = 0.820 ) ( CICP −2 vs. −3 % , CTx 8 vs. −12 % , bALP 0 vs. −3.7 % ) . Allowing transient impact force spikes may be necessary to initiate a bone response in elderly men as the intervention was ineffective Objective This study aim ed to compare the effects of two frequencies of high-speed resistance training ( HSRT ) on physical performance and quality of life of older women . Methods A total of 24 older women participated in a 12-week HSRT program  composed of either two or three sessions/week ( equated for volume and intensity ) . Women were r and omized into three arms : a control group ( CG , n=8 ) , a resistance training group performing two sessions/week ( RT2 , n=8 ) , and a resistance training group performing three sessions/week ( RT3 , n=8 ) . The training program for both experimental groups included exercises that required high-speed concentric muscle actions . Results No baseline differences were observed among groups . Compared with the CG , both training groups showed similar small to moderate improvements ( P<0.05 ) in muscle strength , power , functional performance , balance , and quality of life . Conclusion These results suggest that equated for volume and intensity , two and three training sessions/week of HSRT are equally effective for improving physical performance and quality of life of older women Purpose This study compared the effect of periodised versus non-periodised ( NP ) resistance training on neuromuscular adaptions in older adults . Methods Forty-one apparently healthy untrained older adults ( female = 21 , male = 20 ; 70.9 ± 5.1 years ; 166.3 ± 8.2 cm ; 72.9 ± 13.4 kg ) were recruited and r and omly stratified to an NP , block periodised ( BP ) , or daily undulating periodised ( DUP ) training group . Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and following a 22-week resistance training intervention ( 3 day week−1 ) , including : muscle cross-sectional area ( CSA ) , vertical jump performance , isometric and isokinetic peak torque , isometric rate of force development ( RFD ) , and muscle activation . Thirty-three participants satisfied all study requirements and were included in analyses ( female = 17 , male = 16 ; 71.3 ± 5.4 years ; 166.3 ± 8.5 cm ; 72.5 ± 13.7 kg ) .  Results Block periodisation , DUP , and NP resistance training induced statistically significant improvements in muscle CSA , vertical jump peak velocity , peak power and jump height , and peak isometric and isokinetic torque of the knee extensors at 60 and 180 ° s−1 , with no between-group differences . Muscle activity and absolute RFD measures were statistically unchanged following resistance training across the entire cohort . Conclusions Periodised resistance training , specifically BP and DUP , and NP resistance training are equally effective for promoting increases in muscular hypertrophy , strength , and power among untrained older adults . Consequently , periodisation strategies are not essential for optimising neuromuscular adaptations during the initial stages of resistance training in the aging population BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The interpretation of patient scores on clinical tests of physical mobility is limited by a lack of data describing the range of performance among people without disabilities . The purpose of this study was to provide data for 4 common clinical tests in a sample of community-dwelling older adults . SUBJECTS Ninety-six community-dwelling elderly people ( 61 - 89 years of age ) with independent functioning performed 4 clinical tests . METHODS Data were collected on the  Six-Minute Walk Test ( 6MW ) , Berg Balance Scale ( BBS ) , and Timed Up & Go Test ( TUG ) and during comfortable- and fast-speed walking ( CGS and FGS ) . Intraclass correlation coefficients ( ICCs ) were used to determine the test-retest reliability for the 6MW , TUG , CGS , and FGS measurements . Data were analyzed by gender and age ( 60 - 69 , 70 - 79 , and 80 - 89 years ) cohorts , similar to previous studies . Means , st and ard deviations , and 95 % confidence intervals for each measurement were calculated for each cohort . RESULTS The 6MW , TUG , CGS , and FGS measurements showed high test-retest reliability ( ICC [2,1]=.95-.97 ) . Mean test scores showed a trend of age-related declines for the 6MW , BBS , TUG , CGS , and FGS for both male and female subjects . DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Preliminary descriptive data suggest that physical therapists should use age-related data when interpreting patient data obtained for the 6MW , BBS , TUG , CGS and FGS . Further data on these clinical tests with larger sample sizes are needed to serve as a reference for patient comparisons The purpose s of this study were to analyze the impact of 24 weeks of vibratory and multicomponent training ( MT ) and to determine what type of training creates greater adaptations on body composition and isokinetic strength of the knee and ankle joints in postmenopausal women . Thirty-eight women ( 60.0 ± 6.3 years ) were r and omly assigned to whole body vibration group ( WBVG ) , multicomponent training group ( MTG ) , or a control group . A significant decrease in total fat mass was observed in experimental groups . There were no changes in total lean mass and total bone mineral density in both groups . WBVG and MTG  showed significant increases in isokinetic strength for knee extensors at 60 ° /s and at 270 ° /s . Regarding the ankle joint , there were significant increments in strength for plantar flexion at 60 ° /s in WBVG and at 120 ° /s in the two trainings groups . MTG showed a significant increase in strength for dorsiflexion at 60 ° /s . With respect to eversion and inversion , WBVG and MTG improved strength at 60 ° /s . Also , the WBVG showed increased strength in the ankle evertors at 120 ° /s and both groups showed increased strength in the ankle invertors at 120 ° /s . Twenty-four weeks of whole body vibration or MTs result in positive modifications in total fat mass . These trainings are effective in improving knee extension and stabilizer muscles of the ankle joint strength Summary This study showed that combination of strength , balance , agility and jumping training prevented functional decline and bone fragility in home-dwelling elderly women . The finding supports the idea that it is possible to maintain good physical functioning by multi-component exercise program and thus postpone the age-related functional problems . Introduction This 1-year r and omized , controlled exercise intervention trial assessed the effects of two different training programs and their combination on physical functioning and bone in home-dwelling elderly women . Methods One hundred and forty-nine healthy women aged 70–78 years were r and omly assigned into : group 1—resistance training ( RES ) , group 2—balance-jumping training ( BAL ) , group 3—combination of resistance and balance-jumping training ( COMB ) , and group 4—controls ( CON ) . Self-rated physical functioning , leg extensor force , dynamic balance , and bone mass and structure were measured . Results Self-rated physical functioning improved in the COMB group , but was reduced in the CON group ; the mean inter-group difference was 10 % ( 95 % CI : 0–22 % ) . Mean increase in the leg extensor force was higher in the RES ( 14 % ; 4–25 % ) and COMB ( 13 % ; 3–25 % ) compared with the CON groups . Dynamic balance improved in the BAL ( 6 % ; 1–11 % ) and in the COMB ( 8 % ; 3–12 % ) groups . There were no inter-group differences in BMC at the proximal femur . In those COMB women who trained at least twice a week , the tibial shaft structure weakened 2 % ( 0–4 % ) less than those in the CON group . Conclusions Strength , balance , agility , and jumping training ( especially in combination ) prevented functional decline in home-dwelling elderly women . In addition , positive effects seen in the structure of the loaded tibia indicated that exercise may also play a role in preventing bone fragility Summary This study showed that about a half of the exercise-induced  gain in dynamic balance and bone strength was maintained one year after cessation of the supervised high-intensity training  of home-dwelling elderly women . However , to maintain exercise-induced gains in lower limb muscle force and physical functioning , continued training seems necessary . Introduction Maintenance of exercise-induced benefits in physical functioning and bone structure was assessed one year after cessation of 12-month r and omized controlled exercise intervention . Methods Originally 149 healthy women 70–78 years of age participated in the 12-month exercise RCT and 120 ( 81 % ) of them completed the follow-up study .  Self-rated physical functioning , dynamic balance , leg extensor force , and bone structure were assessed . Results During the intervention , exercise  increased dynamic balance by 7 % in the combination resistance and balance-jumping training group ( COMB ) . At the follow-up , a 4 % ( 95 % CI : 1–8 % ) gain compared with the controls was still seen , while the exercise-induced isometric leg extension force and self-rated physical functioning benefits had disappeared . During the intervention , at least twice a week trained COMB subjects obtained a significant 2 % benefit in tibial shaft bone strength index compared to the controls . A half of this benefit seemed to be maintained at the follow-up . Conclusions Exercise-induced  benefits in dynamic balance and rigidity in the tibial shaft may partly be maintained one year after cessation of a supervised 12-month multi-component training in initially healthy elderly women . However , to maintain the achieved gains in muscle force and physical functioning , continued training seems necessary This r and omized , controlled trial evaluated the effects of exercise on health-related quality of life ( HRQoL ) and fear of falling ( FoF ) among 149 home-dwelling older women . The 12-mo exercise program was intended to reduce the risk of falls and fractures . HRQoL was assessed by the R AND -36 Survey , and FoF , with a visual analog scale , at baseline , 12 mo , and 24 mo . On all R AND -36 scales , the scores indicated better health and well-being . The exercise had hardly any effect on HRQoL ; only the general health score improved slightly compared with controls at 12 mo ( p = .019 ) , but this gain was lost at 24 mo . FoF decreased in both groups during the intervention with no between-groups difference at 12 or 24 mo . In conclusion , despite beneficial physiological changes , the exercise intervention showed rather limited effects on HRQoL and FoF among relatively high-functioning older women . This modest result may be partly because of insufficient responsiveness of the assessment instruments used Stretching of an activated muscle prior to its shortening enhances its performance during the concentric contraction . This phenomenon has been interpreted to be primarily due to the utilization of elastic energy stored in the series elastic elements of the muscle during the stretch . However , reflex potential has also been suggested as an additional cause for performance increase . To examine this hypothesis five subjects performed maximal vertical jumps on a force platform  from two different starting positions : ( a ) maximal plantar flexion from a static position ( SJ ) ( pure concentric contraction ) , ( b ) a toe-st and ing position with preliminary counter-movement ( CMJ ) . In this condition the calf muscles were actively stretched before concentric work . In both conditions the knee and hip joints were fixed . The results indicated that the utilization of the stretch-shortening cycle enhanced the performance over that of the pure concentric contraction ( P less than 0.001 ) . Similarly , the EMG recording demonstrated that in all five subjects the myoelectrical activity of the calf muscles ( mm . gastrocnemius and soleus ) was potentiated during the concentric phase in CMJ when compared to SJ ( P less than 0.001 ) . Therefore , the increase in performance was attributed to a combination of utilization of elastic energy and myoelectrical potentiation of muscle activation Background : Regular exercise has been recommended as a potential strategy to counteract the age-related bone loss experienced by men ; however , the optimal exercise prescription is not known . Objective : To perform a pilot study to examine the osteogenic effect , safety and feasibility of a combined program of upper body resistance exercise and two doses of impact-loading exercise on bone mineral density ( BMD ) of middle-aged and older men . Methods : Forty-two community-dwelling men aged 50 - 74 years were r and omly assigned to either an exercise program of combined upper body resistance exercise and either high-dose impact-loading ( HI ; 80 jumps per session ) or moderate-dose impact-loading ( MOD ; 40 jumps per session ) or a control ( CON ) group . The 9-month intervention involved 4 sessions each week : 2 supervised clinic-based and 2 home-based . BMD of the lumbar spine , femoral neck , total hip , trochanter and whole body as well as lean and fat mass were assessed at baseline and 9 months by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry . Bone turnover markers , hormone levels , physical function and muscle strength were also assessed . Results : Following 9 months of training , significant differences in BMD among groups were found at the total hip ( p = 0.010 ) and trochanter ( p = 0.047 ) with BMD in the MOD group decreasing relative to the HI group . Although not significant , the HI group consistently preserved BMD , whereas BMD of the MOD and CON groups declined at the hip sites . Mean change for all groups at all skeletal sites was approximately within ±1 % . There was no change in bone turnover markers . There were no adverse events as a result of the intervention ; however , overall attendance for the HI and MOD groups was 53 % ( clinic : 68 % , home : 38 % ) and 65 % ( clinic : 74 % , home : 55 % ) , respectively . Conclusions : This study indicates that while impact-loading exercise can be safely undertaken in middle-aged and older men , the current combined program did not elicit significant improvements in BMD BACKGROUND The authors ' objective was to evaluate the efficacy of a 6-month Tai Chi intervention for decreasing the number of falls and the risk for falling in older persons . METHODS This r and omized controlled trial involved a sample of 256 physically inactive , community-dwelling adults aged 70 to 92 ( mean age , 77.48 years ; st and ard deviation , 4.95 years ) who were recruited through a patient data base in Portl and , Oregon . Participants were r and omized to participate in a three-times-per-week Tai Chi group or to a stretching control group for 6 months . The primary outcome measure was the number of falls ; the secondary outcome measures included functional balance ( Berg Balance Scale , Dynamic Gait Index , Functional Reach , and single-leg st and ing ) , physical performance ( 50-foot speed walk , Up&Go ) , and fear of falling , assessed at baseline , 3 months , 6 months ( intervention termination ) , and at a 6-month postintervention follow-up . RESULTS At the end of the 6-month intervention , significantly fewer falls ( n=38 vs 73 ; p=.007 ) , lower proportions of fallers ( 28 % vs 46 % ; p=.01 ) , and fewer injurious falls ( 7 % vs 18 % ; p=.03 ) were observed in the Tai Chi group compared with the stretching control group . After adjusting for baseline covariates , the risk for multiple falls in the Tai Chi group was 55 % lower than that of the stretching control group ( risk ratio,.45 ; 95 % confidence interval , 0.30 to 0.70 ) . Compared with the stretching control participants , the Tai Chi participants showed significant improvements ( p<.001 ) in all measures of functional balance , physical performance , and reduced fear of falling . Intervention gains in these measures were maintained at a 6-month postintervention follow-up in the Tai Chi group . CONCLUSIONS A three-times-per-week , 6-month Tai Chi program is effective in decreasing the number of falls , the risk for falling , and the fear of falling , and it improves functional balance and physical performance in physically inactive persons aged 70 years or older Abstract Purpose The present study examined the effects of repetitive hopping training on muscle activation profiles and fascicle – tendon interaction in the elderly . Methods 20 physically active elderly men were r and omly assigned for training ( TG ) and control groups ( CG ) . TG performed supervised bilateral short contact hopping training with progressively increasing training volume . Measurements were performed before the training period ( BEF ) as well as after 2 weeks ( 2 W ) and 11 weeks ( 11 W ) of training . During measurements , the gastrocnemius medialis – muscle ( GaM ) fascicle and its outer Achilles tendon length changes during hopping were examined by ultrasonography together with electromyographic ( EMG ) activities of calf muscles , kinematics , and kinetics . Results At 2 W , the ankle joint stiffness was increased by 21.0 ± 19.3 % and contact time decreased by 9.4 ± 7.8 % in TG . Thereafter , from 2–11 W the jumping height increased 56.2 ± 18.1 % in TG . Simultaneously , tendon forces increased 24.3 ± 19.0 % but tendon stiffness did not change . GaM fascicles shifted to shorter operating lengths after training without any changes in their length modifications during the contact phase of hopping . Normalized EMG amplitudes during hopping did not change with training . Conclusions The present study shows that 11 W of hopping training improves the performance of physically active elderly men . This improvement is achieved with shorter GaM operating lengths and , therefore , increased fascicle stiffness and improved tendon utilization after training . Based on these results , hopping training could be recommended for healthy fit elderly to retain and improve rapid force production capacity BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE previously , a r and omised controlled exercise intervention study ( RCT ) showed that combined resistance and balance-jumping training ( COMB ) improved physical functioning and bone strength . The purpose of this follow-up study was to assess whether this exercise intervention had long-lasting effects in reducing  injurious falls and fractures . DESIGN five-year health-care register-based follow-up study after a 1-year , four-arm RCT . SETTING community-dwelling older women in Finl and . SUBJECTS one hundred and forty-five of the original 149 RCT participants ; women aged 70 - 78 years at the beginning . METHODS participants ' health-care visits were collected from computerised patient register . An injurious fall was defined as an event in which the subject contacted the health-care professionals or was taken to a hospital , due to a fall . The rate of injured fallers was assessed by Cox proportional hazards model ( hazard ratio , HR ) , and the rate of injurious falls and fractures by Poisson regression ( risk ratio , RR ) . RESULTS eighty-one injurious falls including 26 fractures occurred during the follow-up . The rate of injured fallers was 62 % lower in COMB group compared with the controls ( HR 0.38 , 95 % CI 0.17 to 0.85 ) . In addition , COMB group had 51 % less injurious falls ( RR 0.49 , 95 % CI 0.25 to 0.98 ) and 74 % less fractures ( RR 0.26 , 95 % CI 0.07 to 0.97 ) . CONCLUSIONS home-dwelling older women who participated in a 12-month intensive multi-component exercise training showed a reduced incidence for injurious falls during 5-year post-intervention period . Reduction in fractures was also evident . These long-term effects need to be confirmed in future studies Thomas , K , French , D , and Hayes , PR . The effect of two plyometric training techniques on muscular power and agility in youth soccer players . J Strength Cond Res 23(1 ) : 332 - 335 , 2009-The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two plyometric training techniques on power and agility in youth soccer players . Twelve males from a semiprofessional football club 's academy ( age = 17.3 ± 0.4 years , stature = 177.9 ± 5.1 cm , mass = 68.7 ± 5.6 kg ) were r and omly assigned to 6 weeks of depth jump ( DJ ) or countermovement jump ( CMJ ) training twice weekly . Participants in the DJ group performed drop jumps with instructions to minimize ground-contact time while maximizing height . Participants in the CMJ group performed jumps from a st and ing start position with instructions to gain maximum jump height . Posttraining , both groups experienced improvements in vertical jump height ( p < 0.05 ) and agility time ( p < 0.05 ) and no change in sprint performance ( p > 0.05 ) . There were no differences between the treatment groups ( p > 0.05 ) . The study concludes that both DJ and CMJ plyometrics are worthwhile training activities for improving power and agility in youth soccer players AIM The objective of this study was to determine whether regular combined exercise program , which consists strength , stretching and aerobic exercises and additional jumping training , improve balance , fall risk , quality of life and depression status of older people living in a residential care . METHODS A total of 168 residents who live in a long term care facility were screened . The trial began with 78 eligible participants and they were r and omly grouped as combined exercises program ( COM ) group that includes stretching , strength and aerobic exercises , and COM plus jumping ( COMpJ ) group . 66 of the participants finished the trial . The groups were convened three times a week for six weeks . Each group had a warm-up , effective training and a cooling down periods . The total exercising time was no longer than 45 minutes in each group . Berg balance test and Biodex Balance System for the assessment of the dynamic balance and fall risk , short form 36 ( SF 36 ) for the health related quality of life and Geriatric Depression Scale ( GDS ) for evaluation of the depression status were used . RESULTS The balance improvement and fall risk reduction were observed in both of the groups at the end of the trial ; however , the improvements were statistically better in jumping combined group . Also health related quality of life improved in both groups . CONCLUSION Regular group exercise in a long term care facility have several beneficial effects on the elderly residents in regard to balance improvement , fall risk reduction and quality of life . The addition of jumping to strength , stretching and aerobic exercises provides important contributions to balance improvement and fall risk reduction Abstract Campillo , RR , And rade , DC , and Izquierdo , M. Effects of plyometric training volume and training surface on explosive strength . J Strength Cond Res 27(10 ) : 2714–2722 , 2013—The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of different volume and training surfaces during a short-term plyometric training program on neuromuscular performance .  Twenty-nine subjects were r and omly assigned to 4 groups : control group ( CG , n = 5 ) , moderate volume group ( MVG , n = 9 , 780 jumps ) , moderate volume hard surface group ( MVGHS , n = 8 , 780 jumps ) , and high volume group ( HVG , n = 7 , 1,560 jumps ) . A series of tests were performed by the subjects before and after 7 weeks of plyometric training . These tests were measurement of maximum strength ( 5 maximum repetitions [ 5RMs ] ) , drop jumps ( DJs ) of varying heights ( 20 , 40 , and 60 cm ) , squat and countermovement jumps ( SJ and CMJ , respectively ) , timed 20-m sprint , agility , body weight , and height . The results of the present study suggest that high training volume leads to a significant increase in explosive performance that requires fast stretch-shortening cycle ( SSC ) actions ( such as DJ and sprint ) in comparison to what is observed after a moderate training volume regimen . Second , when plyometric training is performed on a hard training surface ( high-impact reaction force ) , a moderate training volume induces optimal stimulus to increase explosive performance requiring fast SSC actions ( e.g. , DJ ) , maximal dynamic strength enhancement , and higher training efficiency . Thus , a finding of interest in the study was that after 7 weeks of plyometric training , performance enhancement in maximal strength and in actions requiring fast SSC ( such as DJ and sprint ) were dependent on the volume of training and the surface on which it was performed . This must be taken into account when using plyometric training on different surfaces Objective : To evaluate the feasibility of jump training for nearly ambulatory patients after stroke . Design : Case series . Setting : A rehabilitation centre for adult people with neurological disorders . Subjects : Six subacute , nearly ambulatory patients with hemiparesis due to stroke . Interventions : A modified form of jump training performed over a period of six weeks . Measures : Impairments : We used the Motricity Index to measure strength , the Fugl-Meyer subtest passive joint motion/pain for range of motion and pain and the modified Tardieu Scale to measure spasticity at baseline and after six weeks . Activity level : To assess walking ability we used the Functional Ambulation Category , to measure walking quality we used 10-m gait velocity , stride length and Rivermead Visual Gait Index and to assess walking capacity we used the six-minute walk test . Results : No severe adverse events were observed during the study period . Motricity Index sum score of the affected leg increased from 38±11 points ( mean±SD ) to 56±15 points ; P = 0.028 . Modified Tardieu Scale and Fugl-Meyer subtest passive joint motion/pain remained unchanged over time ( P=1.0 ; P=0.157 , respectively ) . All patients were able to walk at the end of training ( median Functional Ambulation Category grade five , P=0.023 ) . Gait quality improved as shown in increased gait velocity ( from 0.3±0.1 to 1.1±0.5 m/s ; P = 0.028 ) , improved stride length ( from 0.3±0.1 to 0.6±0.2 m ; P = 0.028 ) and improved Rivermead Visual Gait Index score ( from 38.7±5.6 points to 24.8±7.0 points ; P = 0.027 ) . All patient increased gait capacity ( from 97±33 m to 289±134 m ; P = 0.028 ) . Conclusion : Jump exercises are feasible for selected subacute stroke patients with hemiparesis Abstract A group of 32 healthy men ( M ) divided into three different age groups , i.e. M20 years [ mean 21 ( SD 1 ) ; n = 12 ] , M40 [ mean 40 ( SD 2 ) ; n = 10 ] and M70 [ mean 71 ( SD 5 ) ; n = 10 ] volunteered as subjects for examination of maximal and explosive force production of leg extensor muscles in both isometric and dynamic actions ( squat jump , SJ and counter movement jump , CMJ , and st and ing long-jump , SLJ ) . The balance test was performed on a force platform in both isometric and dynamic actions . Maximal bilateral isometric force value in M70 was lower ( P < 0.001 ) than in M40 and as much as 46 % lower ( P < 0.001 ) than that recorded in M20 ( P < 0.001 ) . The maximal rate of force development ( RFD ) on the force-time curve was in M70 lower ( P < 0.001 ) than in M40 and as much as 64 % lower than in M20 . The heights in SJ and CMJ and the distance in SLJ in M70 were lower ( P < 0.001 ) than in M40 and M20 ( P < 0.001 ) . In response to modifications of the visual surroundings the older subjects were 24%–47 % ( P < 0.05 and P < 0.001 ) slower in their response time in reaching the lit centre ( TT ) and remained 20%–34 % ( P < 0.001 ) less time inside the centre ( TC ) from the overall time of lighting than M40 and M20 , respectively . In both older groups the individual values of isometric RFD correlated significantly ( P < 0.05 ) with the individual balance values of TT and TC . The present results would suggest that the capacity for explosive force production declines drastically with increasing age , even more than maximal muscle strength . Aging may also lead to impaired balance with a decrease in event detection and speed of postural adjustments . The decreased ability to develop force rapidly in older people seems to be associated with a lower capacity for neuromuscular response in controlling postural sway PURPOSE This study compared the effect of periodized versus nonperiodized ( NP ) resistance training ( RT ) on physical function and health outcomes in older adults . METHODS Forty-one apparently healthy untrained older adults ( women = 21 , men = 20 ; 70.9 ± 5.1 yr ; 166.3 ± 8.2 cm ; 72.9 ± 13.4 kg ) were recruited and r and omly stratified to a NP , block periodized , or daily undulating periodized training group . Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and after a 22-wk × 3 d·wk RT intervention , including ; anthropometrics , body composition , blood pressure and biomarkers , maximal strength , functional capacity , balance confidence , and quality of life . RESULTS Thirty-three subjects satisfied all study requirements and were included in analyses ( women = 17 , men = 16 ; 71.3 ± 5.4 yr ; 166.3 ± 8.5 cm ; 72.5 ± 13.7 kg ) . The main finding was that all three RT models produced significant improvements in several physical function and physiological health outcomes , including ; systolic blood pressure , blood biomarkers , body composition , maximal strength , functional capacity and balance confidence , with no between-group differences . CONCLUSIONS Periodized RT , specifically block periodization and daily undulating periodized , and NP RT are equally effective for promoting significant improvements in physical function and health outcomes among apparently healthy untrained older adults . Therefore , periodization strategies do not appear to be necessary during the initial stages of RT in this population . Practitioners should work toward increasing RT participation in the age via feasible and efficacious interventions targeting long-term adherence in minimally supervised setting The effects of a vertical jumping exercise regime on bone mineral density ( BMD ) have been assessed using r and omized controlled trials in both pre- and postmenopausal women , the latter stratified for  hormone replacement therapy ( HRT ) . Women were screened for contraindications or medication likely to influence bone . The premenopausal women were at least 12 months postpartum and not lactating ; the postmenopausal women had been stable on , or off , HRT for the previous 12 months and throughout the study .  BMD was measured blind using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the spine ( L2-L4 ) and the proximal femur . The exercise consisted of 50 vertical jumps on 6 days/week of mean height 8.5 cm , which produced mean ground reactions of 3.0 times body weight in the young women and 4.0 times in the older women . In the premenopausal women , the exercise result ed in a significant increase of 2.8 % in femoral BMD after 5 months ( p < 0.001 , n = 31 ) . This change was significantly greater ( p < 0.05 ) than that found in the control group ( n = 26 ) . In the postmenopausal women , there was no significant difference between the exercise and control groups after 12 months ( total n = 123 ) nor after 18 months ( total n = 38 ) . HRT status did not affect this outcome , at least up to 12 months . It appears that premenopausal women respond positively to this brief high-impact exercise but postmenopausal women do not BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Assessment of the quality of r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) is common practice in systematic review s. However , the reliability of data obtained with most quality assessment scales has not been established . This report describes 2 studies design ed to investigate the reliability of data obtained with the Physiotherapy Evidence Data base ( PEDro ) scale developed to rate the quality of RCTs evaluating physical therapist interventions . METHOD In the first study , 11 raters independently rated 25 RCTs r and omly selected from the PEDro data base . In the second study , 2 raters rated 120 RCTs r and omly selected from the PEDro data base , and disagreements were resolved by a third rater ; this generated a set of individual rater and consensus ratings . The process was repeated by independent raters to create a second set of individual and consensus ratings . Reliability of ratings of PEDro scale items was calculated using multirater kappas , and reliability of the total ( summed ) score was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients ( ICC [ 1,1 ] ) . RESULTS The kappa value for each of the 11 items ranged from.36 to.80 for individual assessors and from.50 to.79 for consensus ratings generated by groups of 2 or 3 raters . The ICC for the total score was.56 ( 95 % confidence interval=.47-.65 ) for ratings by individuals , and the ICC for consensus ratings was.68 ( 95 % confidence interval=.57-.76 ) . DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The reliability of ratings of PEDro scale items varied from " fair " to " substantial , " and the reliability of the total PEDro score was " fair " to " good . INTRODUCTION There is little evidence as to whether exercise can increase BMD in older men with no investigation of high impact exercise . Lifestyle changes and individual variability may confound exercise trials but can be minimised using a within-subject unilateral design ( exercise leg [ EL ] vs. control leg [ CL ] ) that has high statistical power . PURPOSE This study investigated the influence of a 12month high impact unilateral exercise intervention on femoral neck BMD  in older men . METHODS Fifty , healthy , community-dwelling older men commenced a 12month high impact unilateral exercise intervention which increased to 50 multidirectional hops , 7days a week on one r and omly allocated leg . BMD of both femurs was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry ( DXA ) before and after 12months of exercise , by an observer blind to the leg allocation . Repeated measures ANOVA with post hoc tests was used to detect significant effects of time , leg and interaction . RESULTS Thirty-five men ( mean±SD , age 69.9±4.0years ) exercised for 12months and intervention adherence was 90.5±9.1 % ( 304±31 sessions completed out of 336 prescribed sessions ) . Fourteen men did not complete the 12month exercise intervention  due to  : health problems or injuries unrelated to the intervention ( n=9 ) , time commitments ( n=2 ) , or discomfort during exercise ( n=3 ) , whilst BMD data were missing for one man . Femoral neck BMD , BMC and cross-sectional area all increased in the EL ( + 0.7 , + 0.9 and + 1.2 % respectively ) compared to the CL ( -0.9 , -0.4 and -1.2 % ) ; interaction effect P<0.05 . Although the interaction term was not significant ( P>0.05 ) , there were significant main effects of time for section modulus ( P=0.044 ) and minimum neck width ( P=0.006 ) . Section modulus increased significantly in the EL ( P=0.016 ) but not in the CL ( P=0.465 ) ; mean change + 2.3 % and + 0.7 % respectively , whereas minimum neck width increased significantly in the CL ( P=0.004 ) but not in the EL ( P=0.166 ) ; mean changes being + 0.7 % and + 0.3 % respectively . CONCLUSION A 12month high impact unilateral exercise intervention was feasible and effective for improving femoral neck BMD , BMC and geometry in older men . Carefully targeted high impact exercises may be suitable for incorporation into exercise interventions aim ed at preventing fractures in healthy community-dwelling older men The objective of the present study was to evaluate and compare the neuromuscular , morphological and functional adaptations of older women subjected to 3 different types of strength training . 58 , healthy women ( 67 ± 5 year ) were r and omized to experimental ( EG , n=41 ) and control groups ( CG , n=17 ) during the first 6 weeks when the EG group performed traditional resistance exercise for the lower extremity . Afterwards , EG was divided into three specific strength training groups ; a traditional group ( TG , n=14 ) , a power group ( PG , n=13 ) that performed the concentric phase of contraction at high speed and a rapid strength group ( RG , n=14 ) that performed a lateral box jump exercise emphasizing the stretch-shortening-cycle ( SSC ) . Subjects trained 2 days per week through the entire 12 weeks . Following 6 weeks of generalized strength training , significant improvements occurred in EG for knee extension one-repetition ( 1RM ) maximum strength ( + 19 % ) , knee extensor muscle thickness ( MT , + 15 % ) , maximal muscle activation ( + 44 % average ) and onset latency ( -31 % average ) for vastus lateralis ( VL ) , vastus medialis ( VM ) and rectus femoris ( RF ) compared to CG ( p<0.05 ) . Following 6 more weeks of specific strength training , the 1RM increased significantly and similarly between groups ( average of + 21 % ) , as did muscle thickness of the VL ( + 25 % ) , and activation of VL ( + 44 % ) and VM ( + 26 % ) . The onset latency of RF ( TG=285 ± 109 ms , PG=252 ± 76 ms , RG=203 ± 43 ms ) , reaction time ( TG=366 ± 99 ms , PG=274 ± 76 ms , RG=201 ± 41 ms ) , 30-s chair st and ( TG=18 ± 3 , PG=18 ± 1 , RG=21 ± 2 ) and counter movement jump ( TG=8 ± 2 cm , PG=10 ± 3 cm , RG=13 ± 2 cm ) was significantly improved only in RG ( p<0.05 ) . At the end of training , the rate of force development ( RFD ) over 150 ms ( TG=2.3 ± 9.8 N·s(-1 ) , PG=3.3 ± 3.2 N·s(-1 ) , RG=3.8 ± 6.8 N·s(-1 ) , CG=2.3 ± 7.0 N·s(-1 ) ) was significantly greater in RG and PG than in TG and CG ( p<0.05 ) . In conclusion , rapid strength training is more effective for the development of rapid force production of muscle than other specific types of strength training and by consequence , better develops the functional capabilities of older women Objective : To compare the effects of 12 weeks of high‐speed resistance training on functional performance and quality of life  in elderly women when using either a traditional‐set ( TS ) or a cluster‐set ( CS ) configuration for inter‐set rest . Methods : Three groups of subjects were formed by block‐ design r and omization as follows : ( i ) control group ( CG , n = 17 ; age , 66.5 ± 5.4 years ) ; ( ii ) 12‐week high‐speed resistance training group under a CS configuration ( CSG , n = 15 ; age , 67.6 ± 5.4 years ) ; and ( iii ) 12‐week high‐speed resistance training group under a TS configuration ( TSG , n = 20 ; age , 68.0 ± 5.3 years ) . Training was undertaken three times per week , including high‐speed resistance training exercises . The main difference between the training groups was the recovery set structure . In the TSG , women rested for 150 s after each set of eight repetitions , whereas the CSG used an interest rest redistribution , such that after two consecutive repetitions , a 30‐s rest was allowed . Results : Group × test interactions were observed for a 10‐m walking speed test , an 8‐foot up‐ and ‐go test , a sit‐to‐st and test , and physical quality of life ( p < 0.05 ; d = 0.12–0.81 ) . The main results suggest that both training methods improve functional performance and quality of life , however , the CS configuration induced significantly greater improvements in functional performance and quality of life than the TS configuration . Conclusion : These results should be considered when design ing appropriate and better resistance training programs for older adults . HighlightsFunctional performance and quality of life may be hindered during aging . High‐speed resistance‐training may increase functional performance and quality of life . High‐speed resistance‐training may be particularly effective using a cluster training sets configuration OBJECTIVES This study aim ed to determine the efficacy of an exercise program for post-menopausal women with osteopenia undertaken in community exercise facilities . DESIGN R and omised , single-blind controlled trial . METHODS Thirty-nine community volunteers with hip osteopenia and not taking bone-enhancing medication were r and omly allocated to an  exercise (  EX ) or control ( CON ) group . EX participants attended an exercise facility in Melbourne , Australia , three times/week for 52 weeks ( with a 2 week break ) for partially supervised exercises targeting hip bone strength , muscle strength and balance . They also performed daily jumping exercises at home . CON participants continued with their usual care . All participants were given calcium supplementation . Assessment at baseline and 52 weeks measured bone mineral density ( BMD ) at the proximal femur and lumbar spine . Health-related quality of life ( QOL ) and objective measures of strength and balance were also collected . RESULTS ANCOVA adjusting for baseline values revealed a small benefit of exercise in mean total hip BMD ( the primary outcome ) with a significant mean difference in change between groups of -0.012 g/cm(2 ) ( 95 % CI -0.022 to -0.002 g/cm(2 ) ) . EX participants improved 0.5 % compared with a 0.9 % loss for CON participants . The only other between-group differences were in QOL and a test of trunk and upper limb endurance , which both favoured the EX group . CONCLUSIONS This exercise program appears to have modest benefits for post-menopausal women with osteopenia who are not taking bone-enhancing medication . This mode of exercise delivery has adherence and progression limitations but may be appropriate to recommend for some people
target: Conclusion Plyometric training is a feasible and safe training option with potential for improving various performance , functional , and health-related outcomes in older persons
background: Background The aging process is associated with a progressive decline of neuromuscular function , increased risk of falls and fractures , impaired functional performance , and loss of independence .
  Plyometric training may mitigate or even reverse such age-related deterioration ; however , little research on the effects of plyometric exercises has been performed in older adults .
  Objective The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of plyometric training in older adults .