Eccentric, concentric and isometric strength in trained and untrained older adults

109 Pages·2016·2.56 MB·English

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Fernando A. Rosete
Western Washington University
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Rosete, Fernando A., "Eccentric, concentric and isometric strength in trained and untrained older adults"
(2014). WWU Graduate School Collection. 372.
https://cedar.wwu.edu/wwuet/372
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Eccentric, Concentric and Isometric Strength in Trained and Untrained Older Adults

By

Fernando A. Rosete

Accepted in Partial Completion
Of the Requirements for the Degree
Master of Science

Kathleen Kitto, Dean of the Graduate School

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Chair, Dr. Lorraine R. Brilla

Dr. David N. Suprak

Dr. Jun San Juan
Master’s Thesis

In presenting this thesis in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a master’s degree at
Western Washington University, I grant to Western Washington University the non‐exclusive
royalty‐free right to archive, reproduce, distribute, and display the thesis in any and all forms,
including electronic format, via any digital library mechanisms maintained by WWU.
I represent and warrant this is my original work, and does not infringe or violate any rights of
others. I warrant that I have obtained written permissions from the owner of any third party
copyrighted material included in these files.
I acknowledge that I retain ownership rights to the copyright of this work, including but not
limited to the right to use all or part of this work in future works, such as articles or books.
Library users are granted permission for individual, research and non‐commercial
reproduction of this work for educational purposes only. Any further digital posting of this
document requires specific permission from the author.
Any copying or publication of this thesis for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, is not
allowed without my written permission.

Signature: Fernando A. Rosete
Date: July, 2014
Eccentric, Concentric and Isometric Strength in Trained and Untrained Older Adults

A Thesis Presented to
The Faculty of
Western Washington University

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Degree
Master of Science

By
Fernando Rosete
July, 2014
iv

Abstract
The process of aging includes changes in muscle and connective tissue architecture and function,
increased stiffness, loss of strength and functionality. Nonetheless, older adults are able to
maintain eccentric (ECC) strength levels in a greater proportion, when compared to maintaining
isometric (ISO) strength and concentric (CON) strength. The purpose of this study was to
compare CON, ECC and ISO leg extension torque between trained (T) and untrained (U) older
adults. Twenty older adults (60 years and older) who had no knee pathologies were recruited. A
Biodex dynamometer was used to measure leg extensor torque for ISO, CON and ECC, in T and
U subjects. Torque values relative to body weight (relative torques) were determined for each
subject and compared between groups. The ratio of ECC: ISO was calculated and compared
across groups. The T group were significantly stronger for ISO (p = 0.009). No significant
differences were found for CON (p = 0.088) and ECC (p = 0.220). In addition, the U group
registered a significantly higher ratio of ECC: ISO (p = 0.029), when compared to the T group.
The findings in this study demonstrate older adults are able to maintain ECC, regardless of
training status.
v

Acknowledgements
I am indebted to many individuals whose participation and support made possible the completion
of this thesis. Special thanks to all the willing subjects in this study, to the Bellingham and
Blaine Senior centers and the Mature Adult Training Program at Western Washington
University. The support during data collection provided by my peers, Sarah Viera and Joana
Houplin was magnificent, helping me stay focused and on track.
It is with immense gratitude that I acknowledge the support of my advisor, Dr. Lorrie Brilla. She
guided me in the completion of the preliminary requirements to enroll in this program. More
importantly, she supported me through the process of completing this thesis. It would not have
been possible without her patience, guidance and unconditional, tough love. The suggestions and
friendly advice by Dr. Dave Suprak were immensely valuable. During my stay at WWU, Dr.
Suprak was always available to answer questions and exchange ideas related to our field. He was
always inspiring, both as a great professor and as a modest human being. Thanks to Dr. Jun San
Juan, for sharing his experience, comments and advise during the thesis completion process.
Lastly, I would like to thank my family. Thanks to my parents for leading by example, for
always inspiring and supporting my education. Thanks to my wife, for her loving support and for
sharing this wild adventure.
vi

Table of Contents
Abstract………………………………………………………………….. iv
Acknowledgements ……………………………………………………… v
List of Appendices ………………………………………………………. ix
List of Tables ……………………………………………………………. x
List of Figures …………………………………………………………… xi
CHAPTER I The Problem and Its Scope
Introduction ……………………………………………………………… 1
Purpose of the Study …………………………………………………….. 3
Hypothesis ……………………………………………………………….. 3
Significance of Study …………………………………………………….. 3
Limitations of Study ……………………………………………………… 4
Definitions ………………………………………………………………… 5
CHAPTER II Review of Literature
Introduction ……………………………………………………………… 6
Theory of muscle function ………………………………………………. 7
Concentric muscle action ………………………………………………… 7
vii

Isometric muscle action ………………………………………………….. 8
Eccentric muscle action ………………………………………………….. 10
Force transmission ………………………………………………………... 11
Eccentric strength in older adults ………………………………………… 13
Muscle attributes in older adults …………………………………………. 16
Sarcopenia ……………………………………………………………….. 18
Sarcopenia effects on power production and functionality ……………… 20
Quality and functionality of muscle in older adults ……………………… 23
Regular resistance training effects in older adults ……………………….. 25
Eccentric resistance training in older adults ……………………………… 27
The Biodex reliability…………………………………………………….. 29
Summary ………………………………………………………………… 30
CHAPTER III Methods and Procedures
Introduction ……………………………………………………………… 32
Description of Subjects………......……………………………………… 32
Design of Study …………………………………………………………. 33
Data collection procedures ………………………………………………. 33
Instrumentation …………………………………………………………… 33
Description of technique and procedures ………………………………… 34
viii

Data Analysis …………………………………………………………….. 35
CHAPTER IV Results and Discussion
Introduction ………………………………………………………………. 37
Subject characteristics ……………………………………………………. 37
Results ……………………………………………………………………. 39
Discussion ………………………………………………………………… 43
Summary ………………………………………………………………….. 50
CHAPTER V Summary and Conclusions
Summary …………………………………………………………………. 52
Conclusions ………………………………………………………………. 53
Future research recommendations ………………………………………. 54
Practical applications …………………………………………………….. 54
References ………………………………………………………………………………… 55
Appendices ……………………………………………………………………………….. 69
ix

List of Appendices
Appendix A. Human subjects form and informed consent….……………. 69
Appendix B. Permission forms ………………………………………...…. 84
Appendix C. Physical activity readiness questionnaire (PAR-Q)………… 87
Appendix D. Data collection form ……………………………………….. 90
Appendix E: Raw data ……….…………………………………………… 92
Appendix F. Statistics tables ……………………………………………… 94