Effects of self-paced resistance training and detraining on knee extension strength in community-dwelling older adults: a pilot study.

This study examined the effects and the gender differences of self-paced resistance training and lack of training on knee extension strength in community-dwelling older adults. Six men and six women were involved in self-paced resistance training for 12 weeks. The knee extension strength in men increased significantly from 33.5±6.1 kg at baseline to 39.9±6.8 kg after training, but the difference was not significant in women. The loss of knee extension strength owing to lack of training was -23.9±6.4% in men and -15.5±4.9% in women. A repeated measures analysis of variance showed a gender difference for the change in muscle strength. Self-paced resistance training needs different strategies according to gender to improve muscle strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]