This study aimed to determine the specific adaptations provoked by power‐oriented resistance training using light (LL‐PT, 40% 1‐RM) vs. heavy (HL‐PT, 80% 1‐RM) loads in older adults. Using a randomized within‐subject study design, 45 older adults (>65 years) completed an 8‐week control period (CTR) followed by 12 weeks of unilateral LL‐PT vs. HL‐PT on a leg press. The 1‐RM, theoretical force at zero velocity (F₀), maximal unloaded velocity (V₀), and maximal muscle power (P_max) were determined through a force‐velocity relationship test. Isometrically, the rate of force development (RFD) and the corresponding muscle excitation of the knee extensor muscles were assessed. In addition, muscle cross‐sectional area (CSA) and architecture of two quadriceps muscles were determined. Changes after CTR, LL‐PT and HL‐PT were compared using linear mixed models. HL‐PT provoked greater improvements in 1‐RM and F₀ (effect size (ES) = 0.55‒0.68; p < 0.001) than those observed after LL‐PT (ES = 0.27−0.47; p ≤ 0.001) (post hoc treatment effect, p ≤ 0.057). By contrast, ES of changes in V₀ was greater in LL‐PT compared to HL‐PT (ES = 0.71, p < 0.001 vs. ES = 0.39, p < 0.001), but this difference was not statistically significant. Both power training interventions elicited a moderate increase in P_max (ES = 0.65‒0.69, p < 0.001). Only LL‐PT improved early RFD (ie, ≤100 ms) and muscle excitation (ES = 0.36‒0.60, p < 0.05). Increased CSA were noted after both power training programs (ES = 0.13‒0.35, p < 0.035), whereas pennation angle increased only after HL‐PT (ES = 0.37, p = 0.004). In conclusion, HL‐PT seems to be more effective in improving the capability to generate large forces, whereas LL‐PT appears to trigger greater gains in movement velocity in older adults. However, both interventions promoted similar increases in muscle power as well as muscle hypertrophy.

This study aimed i) to compare relative sit-to-stand power (STS_rel) values yielded by the different equations reported in the literature; ii) to examine the associations between STS_rel, derived from the equations, and age, sex, frailty and habitual gait speed (HGS); and iii) to compare the ability of the different STS_rel equations to detect frailty and low HGS in older adults. 1568 participants (>65 years) were included. STS_rel was calculated according to four validated equations. Frailty was assessed using the Frailty Trait Scale and HGS as the time to complete 3 m. ANOVA tests, regression analyses and receiver operator characteristic curves were used. There were significant differences among the STS_rel values yielded by all the equations, which were higher in men compared to women and negatively associated with age (r = -0.21 to -0.37). STS_rel was positively and negative associated to HGS and frailty, respectively, in both men (r = 0.29 to 0.36 and r = -0.18 to -0.45) and women (r = 0.23 to 0.45 and r = -0.09 to -0.57) regardless of the equation used. Area under the curve values varied between 0.68 and 0.80 for Alcazar's, 0.67-0.80 for Ruiz-Cárdenas's, 0.51-0.65 for Smith's, and 0.68-0.80 for Takai's equations. Low STS_rel indicated an increased probability of having both low HGS and frailty (OR [95%CI] = 1.6 to 4.5 [1.21 to 5.79]) for all equations with the exception of Smith's equations for frailty in women. All the equations presented adequate criterion validity, however, the Alcazar's equation showed the highest level of clinical relevance according to its ability to identify older people with frailty and low HGS.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the residual effects of a 12‐week concurrent training program (power training + high‐intensity interval training) in older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Methods: A total of 21 older adults with COPD [intervention (INT), n = 8; control (CON), n = 13; 76.9 ± 6.8 years] were assessed at baseline and 10 months after the completion of the intervention by the short physical performance battery (SPPB), health‐related quality of life (EQ‐5D‐5L), vastus lateralis muscle thickness (MT), peak pulmonary oxygen uptake (peak VO₂) and peak work rate (W_peak), early and late isometric rate of force development (RFD), leg and chest press maximum muscle power (LP_max and CP_max), and systemic oxidative damage and antioxidant capacity.Results: Compared to baseline, after 10 months of detraining, the INT group presented increased SPPB (∆ = 1.0 point), health‐related quality of life (∆ = 0.07 points), early RFD (∆ = 834 N∙s⁻¹), LP_max (∆ = 62.2 W), and CP_max (∆ = 16.0 W) (all p < 0.05). In addition, a positive effect was noted in INT compared to CON regarding MT and W_peak (both p < 0.05). No between‐group differences were reported in peak VO₂, late RFD, systemic oxidative damage, and antioxidant capacity from baseline to 10 months after the completion of the intervention (all p > 0.05).Conclusions: Twelve weeks of concurrent training were enough to ensure improved physical function, health‐related quality of life, early RFD and maximum muscle power and to preserve MT and W_peak but not peak VO₂, late RFD, systemic oxidative damage and antioxidant capacity in the subsequent 10 months of detraining in older adults with COPD.

Background: Despite muscle power derived from the 5‐rep sit‐to‐stand (STS) test having been demonstrated to be a valuable biomarker in older individuals, there is limited information regarding muscle power derived from the 30‐s STS test, a widely used test in the clinical setting. This study aimed (i) to compare relative 30‐s STS power values between older men and women, (ii) to identify cut‐off points for low relative 30‐s STS power, (iii) to compare the prevalence of low relative STS power between sexes and (iv) to evaluate the association of low relative 30‐s STS power with adverse conditions in older people. Methods: A total of 1475 community‐dwelling older adults (65–98 years; 45% men) from the Toledo Study for Healthy Aging were included. Relative STS power was assessed using the 30‐s STS test and the Alcazar's equation. Adverse health conditions considered encompassed frailty, depression, disability in basic (BADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), cognitive impairment and low habitual gait speed (HGS). Results: Relative STS power decreased linearly at an average rate of 1.0% year ⁻¹ in men and 1.5% year ⁻¹ in women. The cut‐off points for low relative STS power were 2.53 and 2.01 W·kg ⁻¹ for men and women, respectively. The prevalence of low relative STS power was significantly lower in older men compared with older women (43.5% vs. 50.0%, respectively; p = 0.005). In men, low relative STS power was associated with frailty (OR [95% CI] = 4.4 [2.4–8.0]), cognitive impairment (OR [95% CI] = 1.7 [1.0–2.7]), disability in BADL (OR [95% CI] = 4.5 [1.5–13.8]) and low HGS (OR [95% CI] = 3.4 [1.9–5.9]). In women, low relative STS power was associated with frailty (OR [95% CI] = 5.2 [3.5–7.7]), disability in BADL (OR [95% CI] = 4.3 [1.8–9.9]) and IADL (OR [95% CI] = 3.1 [2.2–4.3]) and low HGS (OR [95% CI] = 6.1 [2.8–13.1]). No associations were found between low relative STS power and disability in IADL or depression in men, nor between low relative STS power and cognitive impairment or depression in women. Conclusion: Relative STS power decreased with increasing age in both men and women. The provided sex‐specific cut‐off points for low relative STS power using the 30‐s STS test adequately identified older people with frailty and were associated with an increased risk of experiencing adverse conditions.

Life expectancy has increased worldwide alongside a rise in disability prevalence during old age. The impact and interrelationship among the precursors of disability in midlife remain to be better understood. Furthermore, investigating whether lifestyle factors may potentially influence health outcomes and the prognosis of vascular disease could be especially relevant among the middle-aged population, which is a priority subpopulation when prevention is the goal. This is an observational, cross-sectional, and population-based study. Participants, between 50 and 55 years old, are randomly selected from the municipality of Toledo (Spain). There are 6 nonconsecutive days for the assessments, providing enough rest between evaluations. Participants perform the interview of the Toledo Study for Healthy Aging. Blood pressure monitoring and a resting electrocardiogram are also recorded. Then, resting peripheral and cerebral vascular measurements along with muscle size and architecture are assessed. Blood and urine samples and body composition data are collected after an overnight fasting. On a different visit, physical performance and muscle function tests are performed. Additionally, brain magnetic resonance imaging is conducted. And finally, an accelerometer is given to the participants for a week. Frailty is evaluated by the Frailty Trait Scale and Fried Frailty Phenotype. This project will shed light on the associations between frailty, early cognitive impairment, and vascular aging during midlife, and on the role that lifestyles play in their development. Lastly, this project will provide meaningful implications for public health strategies aimed at promoting healthy aging in later life.