The Impact of Velocity-Based Training on Load-Velocity Relationships in Leg Press and Chest Press for Older Persons

ABSTRACT: Calaway, C, Mishra, S, Parrino, R, Martinez, KJ, Mann, JB, and Signorile, JF. Velocity-based training affects the load-velocity relationship in leg press and chest press for older persons. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): 1136-1143, 2024-This study examined the impact of 3 months of velocity-based training (VBT) on chest press (CP) and leg press (LP) maximal strength (1 repetition maximum [1RM]), peak power (PP), and percentage load where PP was achieved (%1RMPP) in older adults. Twenty-nine subjects were assigned to either a velocity-deficit (VD) group or a force-deficit (FD) group for each exercise depending on their load-velocity (LV) curves. Changes in load were determined by the ability to maintain either 90% (VD) or 70% (FD) of their PP during training. Subjects' powers were tested before and after the training intervention at loads between 40 and 80%1RM. Separate 2 (group) × 2 (time) ANOVA was used to examine changes in each variable by group for each exercise. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to determine whether significant changes in %1RMPP for each exercise and group. For chest press 1 repetition maximum, there were no significant main effects or interaction. Significant main effects for time were observed for leg press 1 repetition maximum ( p < 0 .001, η2 = 0.547) and chest press peak power ( p = 0.009, η2 = 0.243). For LPPP, there were no significant main effects or interactions. For %1RMPP, CP median scores revealed no significant changes for either group. Significant declines in %1RMPP were observed for leg press velocity-deficit and leg press force-deficit ( p < 0.03) groups. Velocity-based training was effective at improving 1RM, PP, and shifting %1RMPP in the LP groups. These results have implications for targeting power improvements at specific areas of the LV curve. Health care providers and trainers should consider these findings when constructing exercise programs to counter age-related declines in older adults.