Training & movement
B · Reasonable confidencePower training and fall-risk related function tests in older adults
Subject: Effects of Power Training on Functional Capacity Related to Fall Risk in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
What this means
Power training gave slightly better test scores than other training or no training: 0.31 s faster on the Timed Up and Go test and 1.71 more repetitions on the 30-second sit-to-stand test.
David Jiménez-Lupión, Luis Chirosa-Ríos, Darío Martínez-García, Manuel Rodríguez-Pérez, Daniel Jerez-Mayorga · 2023 · Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
What does this rating mean?
A solid systematic review with caveats, or consistent indications with a limited scope.
Findings
Power training produced only borderline/near-null improvements in fall-risk-related functional capacity: Timed Up and Go improved by about a third of a second (borderline significance) and 30-second sit-to-stand by a non-significant margin — counter-evidence to strong claims that power training is clearly superior for fall prevention.
Who this applies to
Older adults able to exercise independently.
What to keep in mind
The differences were small and only borderline significant. For the chair test, no effect is also possible. Test scores were measured, not actual falls.
Practical conclusion for REZA
A nuance on a popular claim: power (high-velocity) training only marginally improves fall-risk-related tests in older adults — it's no substitute for a well-rounded strength programme.
View method and source
Methodology
Meta-analysis
Population
12 RCTs, n=478 older adults (community-dwelling, generally ≥60 y)
Intervention
Power (high-velocity) resistance training vs. control or conventional training
Outcome measures
Timed Up and Go (TUG), 30-second sit-to-stand, other fall-risk-related functional tests
Limitations
Small pooled sample; heterogeneous power-training protocols and control conditions; limited number of trials per outcome; falls themselves not measured as an outcome (only surrogate functional tests).
Original source
DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2023.01.022 · PMID: 36868491
View on PubMed →This information is general education about scientific research. It is not personal medical advice and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a doctor or other healthcare professional. If you have symptoms, a medical condition or take medication, consult your GP or treating professional before changing your training or nutrition.