Effect of the Electrically Eccentric Muscle Training (EEMT) Method on Walking Distance, Muscle Endurance and Strength of the Elderly

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the effect of increased muscle strength of the electrically eccentric muscle training (EEMT) method seen in healthy young people is also observed in the elderly. [Subjects] The subjects were 11 men and 11 women, average age 80.3 ± 5.2, who could walk independently. [Method] The subjects were divided randomly into an intervention and a control group, and the intervention group performed EEMT. We measured maximum walking distance, muscle endurance and strength before and after the intervention in the respective groups. [Results] The changes in muscle strength between the intervention and control group before and after the intervention were not significant, but for walking distance, they were significant. A significant change was also seen in the muscle endurance of the intervention group. [Conclusion] The results of the present study suggest that EEMT for sarcopenia can increase muscle endurance but has a limited effect on muscle strength increase. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR