Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Neural impairments contribute to age-related weakness, yet strategies complementing practical exercise training to target neuromuscular adaptations are lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine if combining maximal mental effort (MME) with elastic band training (EBT) augments neuromuscular adaptions in older women. METHODS: Untrained older women (71 ± 4 years) were randomly assigned to EBT (n = 11), EBT + MME (n = 13), or a control (CON; n = 10) group. EBT and EBT + MME performed 6 weeks of moderate-intensity, total body elastic band training, but EBT + MME imagined a maximal muscle contraction during each exercise. Neuromuscular outcomes including voluntary activation (VA), contractile properties, dynamic strength (1-repetition maximum; 1-RM), and isometric peak torque of the elbow flexors (EF) and knee extensors (KE) were assessed. Additionally, KE and EF cross-sectional area (CSA) and muscle quality were captured, as well as lean mass. Two-way mixed ANOVAs were used to compare groups across time. RESULTS: VA (p = 0.182) and contractile properties (p > 0.05 for all) remained unchanged. Compared to CON, 1-RM (p = 0.004), KE peak torque (p = 0.034), CSA (p < 0.001 for both), and muscle quality (p = 0.001-0.021) improved in EBT and EBT + MME, but no differences existed between these groups (p > 0.05). Lean mass remained unchanged (p = 0.481-0.753). CONCLUSION: Compared to EBT, MME did not result in augmented strength or VA. Future research is needed in sarcopenic or older adults suffering from greater age-related weakness. Despite the short training duration, positive effects of home-based, EBT were found for muscle size, quality, and strength in older women. The promotion of accessible forms of resistance training for older adults, such as EBT, is warranted.