Power Output Amongst Different Age Groups
Adrian Flores, Exercise Science, HSES 473 / Dimitrije Cabarkapa, adrianflores@ku.edu
Abstract
In the context of fitness training, whether it is for sports
performance or general health, we often hear the words cardio
and lifting, which corresponds to endurance and strength.
Although these are important aspects of overall fitness, another
aspect that is also a crucial aspect of fitness and overall health is
power. Activities that are often performed in daily living requires
power. The ability to produce a significant amount of work in a
period of time is far more intriguing and far more effective than
strength and endurance itself.
Introduction
In this presentation, we will gain knowledge of evaluating power
output through different exercises and tests that will later show
us how power affects people’s performance and health. The
general power formula is expressed as a given force divided by
the time it took to complete the lift or the movement. Later we
find out that the velocity component is vital because it tells us
whether is specific lift or movement should be performed
adequately.
Body
In the world of health and fitness research, there is a significant
amount of studies that had a big emphasize on strength and how
its importance it is to be able to perform strength-based
movements like lifting, loading, and holding. As vital as strength
is for human performance, power is a component that goes
along with strength.
Figure 2. A power test done with resistance
bands attached to a Smith machine to test
velocity on a squat jump. An optimal test for
sport specific atheltes.
Why Power?
o Most of our daily tasks/routine require a good amount of
velocity when lifting, standing, walking, rotating, and
more.
o Power is highly correlated with functional motion than
strength
Training for Power
o Various exercises and tests can be prescribed according
to their functional level, goals, mobility, balance, and
some level of strength.
o It’s never too late to start training for power!
Body Response to Power
o Increase the utilization of the fast-twitch fibers and being
able to maintain those levels over time
o Power will enable the body to perform any motion at a
faster rate
Clinical Application
In a clinical setting, it is good to start with an overview knowledge
of the patient; find out if that patient is at risk of any health
issues. If the patient is healthy enough, we can process with their
goal. If you have an elite athlete or trying to develop an elite
athlete, we need to understand the type of training and muscle
groups that will contribute to the sport. The implementation of
free weights and machines is optimal as long as they are
performing it safely. The same procedure can be done with nonathletic patients who are just looking for better functional motion.
Poster References
Figure 1. Peak force output from a 10wk
resistance training by young (circle) and old
(square) men during a isometric squat test.
Conclusions
we now have a better understanding of how significant power
and power training is for any individual. The interesting fact
about power is that it is already part of our daily routine and
training programs. Power is a variable that, in the past, we did
not pay crucial attention to it. When we then later realize is that
most of the movements and motions that our bodies are naturally
performed, are done at a fast pace. Power training and power
output amongst different age group is such a broad topic, we the
concepts mentioned before are some of the key factors that will
devote to better and optimal human kinetics.
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