Detraining and retraining in older adults following long-term muscle power or muscle strength specific training
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Training cessation among older adults is associated with the loss of functional ability. However, exercise programs undertaken prior to activity cessation may offer functional protection. In the present study, the residual effects of muscle power or muscle strength training were investigated following extended detraining and subsequent retraining. METHODS: Thirty-eight healthy independent older adults (65-84 years) entered a 24-week detraining period subsequent to 24 weeks of training. Following detraining, participants recommenced training using either the high-velocity muscle power (HV) or muscle strength (ST) protocol, as undertaken during the initial training period, twice weekly for 12 weeks. Isometric and dynamic muscle strength, muscle power, movement velocity, muscle endurance, electromyographic activity, and the results of a battery of functional performance tasks were assessed. RESULTS: Muscle function and functional performance increased following initial training, however, no group differences were observed. Detraining resulted in similar declines in muscle power and muscle strength for both groups (p <.05) (power, HV 17.8 +/- 1.8%, ST 15.5 +/- 2.2%; and strength, HV 17.1 +/- 2.2%, ST 16.5 +/- 1.8%), with comparable accrual following retraining. No significant changes in functional ability were observed following detraining (average change; HV 3.1 +/- 3.5% and ST 2.1 +/- 3.5%) or retraining. No group differences emerged in this study. CONCLUSION: Cessation of training resulted in only a modest loss of muscle power and strength that was recouped following 12 weeks of retraining. Importantly, training-induced gains in functional performance were preserved during detraining. The residual effects of power or strength training appear comparable, and both may be suitable exercise modes prior to a period of activity cessation to promote physical independence.
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Stopping training for merely 3-4 weeks led to only minor changes in muscle power and strength loss.
“For instance, stopping training for merely 3–4 weeks led to only minor changes in muscle power and strength loss [262,270].”
From Global consensus on optimal exercise recommendations for enhancing healthy longevity in older adults (ICFSR) (2025) · cites this paper as [262]
The degree of muscle mass and strength loss varies with the duration of the detraining period, with significant decreases occurring over extended periods.
“The degree of muscle mass and strength loss varies with the duration of the detraining period, with significant decreases occurring over extended periods.”
From Global consensus on optimal exercise recommendations for enhancing healthy longevity in older adults (ICFSR) (2025) · cites this paper as [262]
Following a period of deconditioning, retraining in older adults has been shown to quickly restore neuromuscular function and the cardiometabolic health benefits that were initially achieved.
“Following a period of deconditioning, retraining in older adults has been shown to quickly restore neuromuscular function and the cardiometabolic health benefits that were initially achieved.”
From Global consensus on optimal exercise recommendations for enhancing healthy longevity in older adults (ICFSR) (2025) · cites this paper as [262]
This recovery has been observed in the general older population and frail individuals, highlighting the adaptability of the aging neuromuscular system and its ability to regain strength and overall PA levels after a break in training.
“This recovery has been observed in the general older population [262,270,274,278] and frail individuals [276], highlighting the adaptability of the aging neuromuscular system and its ability to regain strength and overall PA levels after a break in training.”
From Global consensus on optimal exercise recommendations for enhancing healthy longevity in older adults (ICFSR) (2025) · cites this paper as [262]
The degree of muscle mass and strength loss varies with duration of detraining period, with significant decreases occurring over extended periods.
“The degree of muscle mass and strength loss varies with the duration of the detraining period, with significant decreases occurring over extended periods.”
From Global consensus on optimal exercise recommendations for enhancing healthy longevity in older adults (ICFSR) (2025) · cites this paper as [262]
Following a period of deconditioning, retraining in older adults has been shown to quickly restore neuromuscular function and cardiometabolic health benefits that were initially achieved.
“Following a period of deconditioning, retraining in older adults has been shown to quickly restore neuromuscular function and the cardiometabolic health benefits that were initially achieved.”
From Global consensus on optimal exercise recommendations for enhancing healthy longevity in older adults (ICFSR) (2025) · cites this paper as [262]
This recovery has been observed in the general older population and frail individuals, highlighting adaptability of the aging neuromuscular system and its ability to regain strength and overall PA levels after a break in training.
“This recovery has been observed in the general older population [262,270,274,278] and frail individuals [276], highlighting the adaptability of the aging neuromuscular system and its ability to regain strength and overall PA levels after a break in training.”
From Global consensus on optimal exercise recommendations for enhancing healthy longevity in older adults (ICFSR) (2025) · cites this paper as [262]
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- Authors
- Henwood, T. R., & Taaffe, D. R.
- Affiliations
- The University of Queensland (AU)
- Corresponding author
- Henwood, T. R.
- Venue
- The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press (OUP)
- Published
- 2008-07-01
- Volume
- 63
- Issue
- 7
- Pages
- 751-758
- ISSN
- 1079-5006 (ISSN-L)
- 1758-535X
- OpenAlex
- W2128165936
- Cited by
- 113
- References
- 40
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 15 · 2020: 9 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 8 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 7 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 9 · 2012: 9
- FWCI
- 5.39
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- The Journals of Gerontology Series A (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- University of Queensland
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Orthopedics and Sports Medicine › Sports Performance and Training
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Complementary and alternative medicine › Cardiovascular and exercise physiology
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Nutrition and Health in Aging
- Keywords
- detraining, retraining, older adults, muscle power, muscle strength, functional performance, muscular endurance, muscle electrical activity, physical independence
- MeSH terms
- Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Body Composition, Electromyography, Female, Humans, Male, Quality of Life, Exercise, Bone Density, Walking, Muscle, Skeletal, Muscle Strength
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