Author(s): SMAJLA, D., STERMECKI-PUKL, M., ŠARABON, N., SPUDIC, D., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF PRIMORSKA, Country: SLOVENIA, Abstract-ID: 711

INTRODUCTION:
Resistance training stands out as an effective tool for older adults, slowing the aging process and preventing declines in muscle performance and functional ability. As an alternative to gravity-dependent weights, flywheel inertial devices have emerged, offering the potential for subjects to generate greater force and power. This capability is crucial in mitigating the decline in muscle power output, a primary consequence of aging [1]. Numerous studies have undertaken comparisons between flywheel training and traditional weight-based training [2,3]. However, past research has often overlooked the objective equalization of intensity between flywheel and weight-based training, thereby limiting the conclusiveness and comparability of the effectiveness of both training methods. Our research aimed to assess the impact of a six-week exercise protocol (twice weekly) on the functional abilities of elderly individuals.
METHODS:
The subjects were randomly divided into two groups. Both groups performed all-out squats at peak power loading conditions, where the experimental group (EG: N=16, 69,3 ± 5 years) used a flywheel inertial device and the control group (CG: N=14, 67,2 ± 13 years) exercised with a hex-bar (exercises for other muscle groups were identical). Before the six-week protocol, subjects underwent two familiarization visits and initial measurements, including determining the load where maximum power output was achieved (flywheel and hex-bar), balance assessment in tandem stance, up-and-go test, sit-to-stand test, the strength of knee flexors and extensors on the isokinetic device.
RESULTS:
Analysis of variance revealed no significant effect of time or time-group interaction. Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in the sit-to-stand test (EG: 25 % vs. CG: 20,2 %, p < 0,001) and the up-and-go test (EG: 13,1 % vs. CG: 8,5 %, p < 0,001). An improvement was also detected in the test of maximal strength of the knee extensors (EG: 51.7 % vs. CG: 51.2 %, p < 0.001) and knee flexors (EG: 48.8 % vs. CG: 33.8 %, p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION:
Flywheel inertia-based exercise has demonstrated itself as a viable alternative to traditional training by offering variable resistance based on the exercisers performance in the preceding repetition. While the EG showed slightly greater relative improvements, conducting more extended intervention studies is essential for drawing definitive conclusions in the future.

REFERENCES
1. Sañudo, B. et al. Effect of flywheel resistance training on balance performance in older adults. A randomized controlled trial. J. Sport. Sci. Med. 18, 344–350 (2019).
2. Onambélé, G. L. et al. Neuromuscular and balance responses to flywheel inertial versus weight training in older persons. J. Biomech. 41, 3133–3138 (2008).
3. Spudić, D., et. al.. Influence of inertial resistance squat exercise protocol based on novel exercise intensity determination on physical fitness of older adult women. Exerc. Qual. Life 11, 29–36 (2019).