Can Aerobic Training Improve the Muscular Strength and Power of Older Men?

This study examined the effect of aerobic training on leg strength, power and muscle mass in previously sedentary, healthy older men (70-80 years). Training consisted of 30-45 min cycle ergometry at 50-70% maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), 3 times weekly for 16 weeks, then 4 weeks detraining; or non-training (n = 12 both groups). Training increased leg strength, leg power, upper leg muscle mass and VO2 max above pre-training values (21%, 12%, 4%, 15%, respectively; P<0.05). However, all gains were lost after detraining, except for some gain in VO2 max. This
suggests that cycle ergometry is sufficient stimulus to improve neuromuscular function in older men, but gains are quickly lost with detraining. For the older population cycle ergometry provides not only the means to increase their aerobic fitness but also increase their leg strength and power and upper leg muscle mass. However during periods of inactivity neuromuscular gains are quickly lost.