Velocity-Monitored Resistance Training in Older Adults: The Effects of Low-Velocity Loss Threshold on Strength and Functional Capacity

Abstract Marques, DL, Neiva, HP, Marinho, DA, and Marques, MC. Velocity-monitored resistance training in older adults: the effects of low-velocity loss threshold on strength and functional capacity. J Strength Cond Res 36(11): 3200–3208, 2022—This study analyzed the effects of velocity-monitored resistance training (RT) with a velocity loss of 10% on strength and functional capacity in older adults. Forty-two subjects (79.7 ± 7.1 years) were allocated into an RT group ( n = 21) or a control group (CG; n = 21). Over 10 weeks, the RT group performed 2 sessions per week, whereas the CG maintained their daily routine. During RT sessions, we monitored each repetition's mean velocity in the leg press and chest press exercises at 40–65% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM). The set ended when a velocity loss of 10% was reached. At pretest and post-test, both groups were assessed in the 1RM leg press and chest press, handgrip strength, medicine ball throw (MBT), walking speed (T 10 ), and 5-repetition sit-to-stand (STS). After 10 weeks, the RT group significantly improved the 1RM leg press ( p < 0.001; Hedge's g effect size [ g ] = 0.55), 1RM chest press ( p < 0.001; g = 0.72), MBT 1kg ( p < 0.01; g = 0.26), T 10 ( p < 0.05; g = −0.29), and STS ( p < 0.05; g = −0.29), whereas the CG significantly increased the T 10 ( p < 0.05; g = 0.15). Comparisons between groups at post-test demonstrated significant differences in the 1RM leg press ( p < 0.001; mean difference [MD] = 14.4 kg), 1RM chest press ( p < 0.001; MD = 7.52), MBT 1kg ( p < 0.05; MD = 0.40 m), T 10 ( p < 0.001; MD = −0.60 seconds), and STS ( p < 0.001; MD = −1.85 seconds). Our data demonstrate that velocity-monitored RT with velocity loss of 10% results in a few repetitions per set (leg press: 5.1 ± 1.2; chest press: 3.6 ± 0.9) and significantly improves strength and functional capacity in older adults.