The aim of this study was to analyse the acute effects of velocity-based resistance training on the physical and functional performance of older adults. Twenty participants (70.4 ± 7.4 years) performed the deadlift exercise, in two different resistance training protocols. The moderate-velocity protocol (MV) predicted maximum loads so that the movement velocity during the concentric phase remained in the range of 0.5 to 0.7 m/s and the high-velocity protocol (HV) predicted maximum loads so that the movement velocity remained between 0.8 and 1.0 m/s. The jump height (cm), handgrip strength (kg), and time (s) to complete the functional tests were assessed before (baseline), and immediately (post), 24-h, and 48-h after the MV and HV protocols. Compared to baseline, both training protocols acutely led to a gradual reduction in walking velocity, with significant values 24 hours after training (p = 0.044), on the other hand, both protocols improved performance in the timed up and go test at post (p < 0.001) and in the sit-to-stand test at 48-h (p = 0.024), although there were no significant differences between them for any times analysed (p > 0.05). No other outcomes exhibited significant changes. Results indicate that neither of the protocols (MV and HV) led to significant impairments in physical function of the older adults, and can be recommended with the safety criterion of at least 48-h of rest between sessions.
Keywords: Human physical conditioning; aging; fast-twitch muscle fibres; physical education and training; physical functional performance.