Velocity-based Vs Load-based Training On Torque & Power During Isokinetic At Various Speeds In Parkinson's Disease

Velocity-based training (VBT) uses velocity maintenance, while traditional strength training (TST) uses completion at a given load, to dictate progression. PURPOSE: Changes in isokinetic peak torque (PT), average power (AP) and total work (TW) were analyzed in the left and right knee flexors (LKF, RKF) and extensors (LKE, RKE) following either a VBT or TST regimen in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. Both conditions trained twice per week for 8 wks. METHODS: Isokinetic tests were completed at 90, 180 and 300 o·s-1. RESULTS: A 2 (group) x 2 (time) x 3 (speed) mixed ANOVA revealed a significant time effect for PT during RKE (F(1,17) = 7.73, p = .013, np2 = .312), AP during RKE (F(1,17) = 5.80, p = .028, np2 = .254), AP during LKE (F(1,17) = 4.54, p = .048, np2 = .211), and TW during RKE (F(1,17) = 11.48, p = .004, np2 = .403) and LKE (F(1,17) = 5.50, p = .031, np2 = .244). Pairwise comparisons showed significant increases in PT during RKE (7.167 ± 2.59 Nm; p = .013), AP during RKE (10.39 ± 4.31 W; p = .028), LKE (8.53 ± 4.00 W; p = .048), and TW during RKE (34.96 ± 10.32 J; p = .004), and LKE (28.82 ± 12.29 J; p = .031). Additionally, group x time interactions were observed for PT during RKF (F(1,17) = 8.06, p = .011) with a pairwise comparison showing significant improvements for TST over VBT (6.09 ± 1.824 Nm; p = .004). A significant group x time interaction was also seen for TW for RKE (F(1,17) = 5.79, p = .028, np2 = .254), with the TST producing higher work values that approached significance than VBT (29.19 ± 13.99 J; p = .052). CONCLUSION: Results indicate that both VBT and TST can produce improvements in isokinetic performance at all testing speeds in persons with PD. Neither training condition produced greater improvements at any specific speed, despite the high-speed nature of VBT. Furthermore, TST may produce greater improvements in PT and TW than VBT in persons with PD.