Exercise training in older adults, what effects on muscle force control? A systematic review of randomized clinical trials.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To determine the magnitude of the effects of different exercise training (ET) modalities on variables of muscle force control in older adults. METHODS: Relevant articles were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct and Scopus, using the keywords Aged AND "Exercise Movement Techniques" AND ("Complexity of torque" OR "Complexity of force" OR "Variability of torque" OR "Variability of force" OR "Force Steadiness" OR "Force fluctuations"). To be included in the full analysis, the studies had to be randomized controlled trials in which older adults were submitted to ET programs and muscle force control assessment. RESULTS: The searches resulted in 702 articles from which 6 met all the inclusion criteria. The trials involved 171 healthy and functionally limited older adults (71.64 ± 1.53 years). Studies included resistance, steadiness and functional training programs. Training sessions were 2-3 time per week, lasted 6-16 months with intensities determined as percentage of the one repetition maximum loads. There is a heterogeneity regarding experimental set-up and data analysis parameters between studies. The findings show an improved muscle force control in older adults after ET. Such response is better evidenced by the assessment of the coefficient of variation (CV) of the force signals. There is moderate evidence that resistance training programs are effective to decrease CV of knee extensor force signals at lower force targets. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this review suggest that ET programs are effective to improve muscle force control in older adults.