Author(s): STAFUZZA, J., GONNELLI, F., DALLEVA, M., MARI, L., ZACCARON, S., FLOREANI, M., FLOREANCIG, A., PADOVAN, D., URSEALLA, G., BRUGNOLA, G., REJC, E., LAZZER, S., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF UDINE, Country: ITALY, Abstract-ID: 935

INTRODUCTION:
Older adults experience physiological modifications in various aspects such as body composition, levels of strength, muscle mass quantity and quality, and bone density1. Taken together these factors may lead to physical limitations, decreased quality of life, increased risk of developing non-communicable diseases and potentially hospitalization2. To counter these modifications resistance training (RT) has proven to be a feasible and effective intervention that can also benefit older adults3. In this regard, Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) can be used to promote muscular reconditioning4.
METHODS:
This study investigated the effects of 18 sessions of two different training methods. The experimental group (EXP) of 10 older adults (>65y) performed isometric RT with an NMES conditioning stimulus on the dominant (D) knee extensors. The control group (CTRL) of 12 active older adults (>65y) performed dynamic body weight and free-weight RT. Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), peak power (P) of lower limbs, and physical capacities assessed with 5 Sit to Stand (5STS), Time Up and Go (TUG) and 6 Minutes Walking Test (6MWT) were assessed.
RESULTS:
At the end of the intervention, the EXP group improved in MVC and power output in both legs (MVCD +30.4%, MVCnD +13.5%, p<0.05; PD +8.1%, PnD +7.1%, p<0.05). Also, both groups improved performance in 5STS, TUG, and 6 MWT (5STS EXP: -15.8%, 5STS CTRL: -15.1%, p<0.001; TUG EXP: -9.9%, TUG CTRL: -9.3%, p<0.001; and 6MWT EXP: +9.5%, 6MWT CTRL: +5.9%, p<0.00).
CONCLUSION:
Isometric training with NMES conditioning can be a useful strategy to enhance physical and functional parameters in older adults. This approach could be useful in situations where traditional RT cannot be performed.

References
1. Goodpaster BH, Park SW, Harris TB, et al. The Loss of Skeletal Muscle Strength, Mass, and Quality in Older Adults: The Health, Aging and Body Composition Study. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2006;61(10):1059-1064.
2. Tieland M, Trouwborst I, Clark BC. Skeletal muscle performance and ageing. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. 2018;9(1):3-19.
3. Fragala MS, Cadore EL, Dorgo S, et al. Resistance Training for Older Adults: Position Statement From the National Strength and Conditioning Association. J Strength Cond Res. 2019;33(8):2019-2052.
4. Gonnelli F, Rejc E, Floreani M, Lazzer S. Effects of NMES-elicited versus voluntary low-level conditioning contractions on explosive knee extensions. Published online 2022.