Visual Kinematic Feedback Improves Neuromuscular Performance During Resistance Training In Healthy Older Adults

PURPOSE: To determine the impact of real time, visual feedback on leg-press (LP) and chest-press (CP) peak power (PP) and average power (AP) using computerized pneumatic resistance training machines. METHODS: 28 older adults (73.1 ± 6.7 y) completed two training sessions on computerized pneumatic LP and CP machines (HUR USA, Northbrook, IL). Sessions were separated by 48 h. During one session, subjects were provided with verbal encouragement and to follow graphs showing their power outputs for each repetition on the machines’ tablets. In the other session, subjects were provided with the same level of encouragement without visual feedback. Both groups completed three sets of eight repetitions on each machine separated by a one-minute rest. RESULTS: Separate 2 x 3 (condition x set) repeated measures ANOVAs revealed a condition effect for LP-PP (F (1,26) = 11.122, p = .003, np2 = .300), with pairwise comparisons revealing significantly greater power in the visual feedback condition (MDiff ± SE = 21.18 ± 6.35 W; p = .003). Additionally, a main effect for set was also observed for CP-PP (F (2,25) = 17.701, p < .001, np2 = .586) showing significant increases in PP from set 1-2, 2-3, and 1-3. Significant condition effects were also observed for LP-AP (F (1,26) = 12.497, p = .002, np2 = .325) and CP-AP (F (1,25) = 8.795, p = .007, np2 = .260). Pairwise comparisons revealed significantly greater AP in the visual feedback condition for LP (23.50 ± 6.65 W; p = .002) and CP (10.58 ± 3.57 W; p = .007). Finally, a main effect for sets was observed for LP-AP (F (2,25) = 13.568, p < .001, np2 = .520) with pairwise comparisons revealing significant increases in AP from sets 1-2, 2-3, and 1-3. CONCLUSIONS: Visual kinematic feedback in the form of power bars is a viable tool for optimizing neuromuscular performance in older adults. Further, higher PP and AP across sets support the use of multiple sets to maximize neuromuscular improvements.