Problems with movement, balance and responsiveness are increasingly common in the elderly. This makes everyday actions such as getting up from a chair, climbing stairs or maintaining balance more difficult and increases the risk of falls and dependency. For a long time, the focus in exercise programs was mainly on traditional strength training, but El Hadouchi's research Empower Older Adults shows that a different approach, for example, power training - a form of exercise in which muscles are used quickly and explosively - is more effective.
The research shows that not only muscle strength, but especially the speed with which strength can be delivered is crucial for independence. It is precisely this explosive muscle power that determines whether a person can react in time to prevent a fall, get up smoothly or climb stairs smoothly. Whereas strength training primarily increases muscle mass, power training focuses on reaction speed, balance and movement quality - skills that are directly needed in everyday life.
Longer Independent
El Hadouchi shows that seniors who do power training move better and remain independent longer than seniors who do only traditional strength training. He also shows how this form of training can be safely and practically embedded into existing exercise programs and rehabilitation, without creating additional risks.
By giving power training a permanent place in prevention, care and rehabilitation, the elderly can longer actively participate in society, the risk of falling decreases and dependence on care can be postponed or reduced. This is important not only for the quality of life of the elderly themselves, but also for the pressure on the health care system.
El Hadouchi explains that as we age, we lose not only muscle mass and strength, but especially muscle capacity (power). This loss is three times faster and makes our "muscles" slower, which directly affects balance and daily movements such as standing up. Hence the research on the effectiveness of power training in practice.
"This research shows that speed, balance and responsiveness are critical for daily independence," says El Hadouchi. "By targeting these, we can help elderly people stay fit and independent for longer."