Research

Mixed

High-velocity power training improves whole-body physical function in community-dwelling older adults more effectively than traditional strength training, despite producing similar gains in maximal strength and anaerobic power.

If you are an older adult looking to improve your ability to perform daily tasks like climbing stairs or getting out of a chair, prioritize speed over heavy weight. Perform your resistance exercises (like leg presses or chest presses) at 40% of your maximum strength, but move the weight as fast as you safely can. Do this three times a week for at least 16 weeks. You do not need to lift heavy weights to see functional improvements; the speed of the movement is the key driver.

ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
Power training was more effective than strength training for improving physical function in community-dwelling older adults.
Tanya A. Miszko et al. · The Journals of Gerontology Series A · 2003

Why this rating

Randomized controlled trial with a small sample size (n=39 completers) and a relatively short duration (16 weeks).

Source

Effect of Strength and Power Training on Physical Function in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Tanya A. Miszko et al. · The Journals of Gerontology Series A · 2003

DOI 10.1093/gerona/58.2.m171

rct · n=50Cited 389×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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