Resistance training improves capacity to delay neuromuscular fatigue in older adults

•We examined effects of progressive resistance exercise in older adults for 6 weeks.•Resistance exercise improved lower body strength and chair rise performance measures.•Resistance exercise increased the onset of neuromuscular fatigue threshold.•Progressive resistance exercise training for 6 weeks had no effect on body composition.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of short term resistance exercise on neuromuscular fatigue threshold (PWCFT), strength, functional performance, and body composition in older adults. Twenty-three participants (71.2 ± 6.0 yr) were randomly assigned to 6 weeks of resistance exercise (EXE) or control (CONT). A submaximal cycle ergometer test, physical working capacity at fatigue threshold, was used to determine PWCFT. Strength was assessed with predicted leg extension 1-RM and functional performance with time to complete 5 chair rises (CHAIR) and walk an 8-ft course (WALK). PWCFT, 1-RM and CHAIR significantly (p < 0.05) improved in the EXE (27%, 24%, 27%) compared with CONT (−0.1%, 7%, 6%), respectively. The results of this study suggest that short term EXE improved strength, functionality and the capacity to delay the onset of neuromuscular fatigue in older adults.