Home-based strength training in elderly

The purpose of this study was analyze the effects of strength training on quadriceps muscle electromyographic activity and lower limb power in elderly women. 28 female volunteers aged 65.5 ± 3.6 years old were submitted to strength training for 12 weeks with a frequency of twice a week and were divided into: G1P (n=16, periodized group) and G2NP (n=12, non-periodized group). Electromyographic activity of vastus medialis oblique (VMO), vastus lateralis longus (VLL), oblique (VLO), rectus femoris (RF) muscles in knee extension movement, root mean square (RMS), median frequency (MF) were determined and lower limb power was analyzed by the jump test. There was an increase of RMS in the 30º knee flexion angle in VLO for both limbs and an increase of RMS in the 90º knee flexion angle in VLO and VMO for G1P. G1P increased MF in the 30º angle in VMO. In the 90º angle there was an increase in VMO MF, and lower limb power for the G1P group. Conclusions: Strength training periodization positively, influenced electromyographic activity and lower limb power in elderly women.