The effects of eccentrically-biased versus conventional resistance training in older adults

The major objectives of this thesis were: (i) to compare the acute effects of eccentrically-biased and conventional resistance training on arterial stiffness, platelet reactivity, activation and count, postural stability and isometric force steadiness in older men and women; and (ii) to compare the effects 16-weeks of eccentrically-biased versus conventional resistance training on muscle architecture, 1 repetition maximum, isometric strength, isokinetic force-velocity characteristics, functional capacity and pulse wave velocity in older men and women. The results of this research show that both eccentrically-biased and conventional resistance training are effective at increasing strength and improving function in older adults. The improvements in strength during quick isokinetic contractions of the knee extensors after eccentrically-biased resistance training may have implications for functional movements that require rapid movements of the limb, such as recovering from a stumble. However, more research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of this type of training in this area. The small acute increase in platelet count and postural instability after eccentrically-biased resistance training mean that older adults should exercise caution immediately post-training and appropriate management will decrease these risks.