Velocity-based Training Affects Function, Strength, And Power In Persons With Parkinson's Disease.

Velocity-based training (VBT) is a unique new resistance-training technique that has been predominantly used by high-level athletes. VBT uses changes in repetition velocity rather than load to dictate progressions and study has examined the effects of VBT on performance in persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD). PURPOSE: To compare the effects of thrice weekly 10% and 30% velocity threshold protocols on changes in functional performance, strength, and power in persons with PD following 12 weeks of VBT. METHODS: Training involved ten exercises on HUR pneumatic machines (HUR USA, Park Ridge, IL) consisting of 3 sets of 8 repetitions. Data collected before and after training included the 6-m walk test at habitual (6MWT-H) and maximal (6MWT-M) gait speed, the 5 time sit-to-stand test (5xSTS), 1 repetition maximum (1RM) testing for both the chest-press (CP) and leg-press (LP) exercises, and power testing for the CP and LP. RESULTS: Data from 16 subjects were assessed using repeated measures ANOVAs. A significant time effect was observed in the 5xSTS for time and power. Pairwise comparisons showed a reduction in time to completion (Mdiff ± SE = -1.480 ± .451; -.2448, -.512, p = .005) and increase in power (Mdiff ± SE = 75.456 ± 22.710; 26.747, 124.165, p = .005). A significant time effect was seen in the 6MWT-M. Pairwise comparisons show a decrease in time to completion (Mdiff ± SE = -.406 ± .078; -.572, -.240, p < .001), whereas the 6MWT-H showed no significance. 1RM for both CP and LP had significant time effects. Pairwise comparisons showed increases in CP (Mdiff ± SE = 5.095 ± 1.141; 2.649, 7.542, p = .001) and LP (Mdiff ± SE = 12.587 ± 3.724; 4.6, 20.575, p = .004). A significant time effect was observed for LP, with pairwise comparison revealing an increase in power (Mdiff ± SE = 43.644 ± 13.155; 14.983, 72.305, p = .006). A significant time effect was also seen for the load at which peak power was produced in the CP. Pairwise comparisons showed an increase in the load (Mdiff ± SE = 2.361 ± 1.104, -.006, 4.728, p = .05). A Wilcoxon signed rank test revealed no significant differences in the percentage of 1RM at which PP was achieved for either condition. CONCLUSIONS: VBT is an effective training modality for improving functional capability, strength, and power in persons with PD although shifts in the load-velocity curves were not evidenced.