Affiliations: [a] Democritus University of Thrace, Department of
Physical Education & Sport Science, Komotini 69100, Greece
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Paraskevi Malliou, PhD, Assistant
Professor Laboratory of Physical Education and Sports Science, Dept of Physical
Education and Sports Science, Democritus University of Thrace, 69100 Komotini,
Greece. Tel.: 3025310 39662; Fax: 3025310 39623; E-mail: malliou2002@yahoo.gr
Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to determine whether a general
conditioning (callisthenic exercise) versus a machine based resistance-training
protocol or an isokinetic exercise program would be similarly effective in
improving knee extension muscular performance in healthy inactive elderly.
Fifty two individuals, 26 men and 26 women, were randomly assigned to one of
four groups: control group (C, n=10), the isokinetic
strengthening group (ISO, n=12), the multi-joint resistance
training group (RES, n=15) and the calisthenic exercised
group (CAL, n=15). The training protocol for the ISO
included concentric isokinetic extension and flexion of the knee, for the RES
included leg extension, leg curls and leg press and for the CAL included
aerobic exercise accompanied with music, general calisthenics and activities
targeted to reaction time and agility improvement. The isokinetic concentric
testing method applied prior to and at the end of the training period to assess
peak muscle torque of the right knee extensors. MANOVA repeated measures (2
× 4, time by treatment) revealed that at
60°/s angular velocity there was statistically
significant improvement in performance for the RES group in comparison to
control group. At 180°/s angular velocity the results
revealed, statistically significant improvement in performance for the RES and
ISO group also. In conclusion, in older adults isokinetic exercise and
resistance training results in larger increases in strength compared with
callisthenic exercise.
Keywords: elderly, isokinetic, muscular performance, strength training
