The Effects of Force‐Velocity Profile‐Based Load Prescription on Muscle Power and Functional Performance in Velocity‐Deficient Older Adults

ABSTRACT

Muscle power is essential for functional capacity in older adults and can be improved through power‐focused resistance training (PRT). PRT adaptations are load‐ and velocity‐specific, yet optimal load prescription remains unclear. As force and velocity capacities vary between individuals, this 12‐week intervention compared two force‐velocity (F‐V) profile‐guided loading strategies: training at loads matched versus not matched to the F‐V deficit. F‐V profiles of 80 adults ≥ 65 years were assessed on a pneumatic leg press, with maximal force ( F ₀ ) and velocity ( V ₀ ) expressed as z‐scores relative to a younger reference group ( n  = 60, 20–35 years). A difference ≥ 1 between z‐scores was considered indicative of a deficit, with the direction determining a force‐ or velocity‐deficit profile. As force deficits were rare ( n  = 4), the intervention only included participants with a velocity deficit ( n  = 59), of whom 57 initiated the intervention. Participants were randomly assigned to train at loads matched to their deficit (individualized; IND) or at loads deliberately not matched to their deficit (non‐individualized; NON‐IND). Maximal power, F‐V profile parameters and functional performance were assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks. From baseline to 12 weeks, F ₀ increased more in NON‐IND than IND ( p  = 0.040), while V ₀ increased more in IND than NON‐IND ( p  = 0.009). Changes in power and functional performance did not differ between groups (all p  ≥ 0.065). In velocity‐deficient older adults, differences in F‐V‐guided load prescription led to distinct F‐V adaptations but did not lead to differences in power or functional performance.

Trial Registration: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06449716)