Influence of Muscle Strength Gains on Functional Capacity Improvements following Resistance Training in Older Adults: A Linear Mixed Model Approach

Abstract Aims By using different series of linear mixed models we investigated the influence of muscle strength gains on functional capacity (FC) improvements in older adults following resistance training (RT). Methods: Eleven healthy older adults performed a 12-week non-linear periodization leg press RT program. Leg press one-repetition maximum (1-RM), quadriceps and hamstrings concentric (Qcon and Hcon) and eccentric peak torque (PT), and FC tests (30-s, timed-up and go [TUG], stair ascent and descent) were measured before and after RT. Results: Every one-unit change in 1-RM led to 3.38 unit change in 30-s, −0.67 unit change in TUG, −0.93 unit change in stair ascent and −0.75 unit change in stair descent, and every one-unit change in Qcon and Hcon PT led to −0.46 and −0.84 unit changes in stair ascent (p < 0.005). Conclusions: Our detailed analyses provide evidence that strength-specific gains positively influence movement-specific FC improvements in older adults following RT.