Kinematic Mechanisms of How Power Training Improves Healthy Old Adults' Gait Velocity.

Introduction: Slow gait predicts many adverse clinical outcomes in old adults but the mechanisms of how power training can minimize the age-related loss of gait velocity is unclear. We examined the effects of 10 weeks of lower extremity power training and detraining on healthy old adults' lower extremity muscle power and gait kinematics. Methods: As part of the Potsdam Gait Study (POGS), participants started with 10 weeks of power training followed by 10 weeks of detraining (n = 16) and participants started with a 10-week control period followed by 10 weeks of power training (n = 16). We measured gait kinematics (stride characteristic and joint kinematics) and isokinetic power of the ankle plantarflexor (20, 40, and 60[degrees]/s) and knee extensor and flexor (60, 120, and 180[degrees]/s) muscles at weeks 0, 10, and 20. Results: Power training improved isokinetic muscle power by ~30% (p

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