Abstract
This study examined the effects of uni- and bilateral muscle training programs to strengthen elbow flexors on force-velocity-power relationships during elbow flexion in elderly men. The relationships were measured using an arm ergometer before and after training performed by 9 elderly men, who were divided into 2 groups: uni- (n=4) and bilateral (n=5). The former and latter performed 7-10 repetitions of dumbbell and barbell curls, respectively, in the lifting phase with a load of 80% 1 RM（1 repetition maximum）at 3 sets a day, 3 days a week for 8 weeks. As a result, 1 RM showed a significant increase only in unilateral training. The force-velocity relationship improved the muscle contraction speed under the same condition as the training and at the maximum power was the same. Based on the results, unilateral training may be more effective to increase muscle power of unilateral movement than bilateral training in elderly men.
