Inertial Load Power Cycling Training Increases Muscle Mass and Aerobic Power in Older Adults.

PURPOSE Reductions in skeletal muscle mass, beginning after the 3rd decade of life, reduce maximal neuromuscular power (Pmax). Maximal aerobic power generation is also reduced. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of maximal power cycling (PC) training using an inertial load ergometer on skeletal muscle mass and cardiovascular function in untrained 50-68-year-old participants. METHODS The study utilized a pre/post outcome exercise intervention testing untrained 50-68 year old adults (n=39; M=15; mean±SE 58.5 ± 0.8; range 50-68 y). Over the course of 8 weeks, participants performed 15 min. of training 3 times per week. Each session involved repeated (15-30x) 4-s sprints of PC. Measurements were thigh muscle volume (TMV), total body lean mass (TBLM), maximal neuromuscular power (Pmax), peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), performance on functional tasks of living (FTLChair & FTLRamp) and inter-muscular fat volume (IMFV). RESULTS Training for 8 weeks increased TMV 3.7 ± 0.9% (p<0.001) and TBLM 1.5 ± 0.4% (p<0.01) while increasing total body mass (TBM) 1.4 ± 0.3% (p<0.01). Physical performance measures increased significantly (all p<0.05) with improvements in Pmax (12.0 ± 1.5%); VO2peak (9.8 ± 1.8%), and FTL (8.5 ± 1.3% to 17.2 ± 2%). CAVI was significantly decreased -2.3 ± 1.1% (p<0.05) indicating reduced arterial stiffness. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that 8 weeks of power cycling training at true maximal power was effective at increasing muscle mass and maximal power, as well as maximal cardiovascular capacity and functional tasks in untrained 50-68-year olds.