In a pilot study, Sayers compared vascular function in two groups of older individuals before and after 16 weeks of weightlifting. One group completed high-speed power training with lighter weights while the other group focused on lifting heavier weights at slower speeds. Sayers found that the group lifting lighter weights at faster speeds improved vascular function compared to the group lifting heavier weights.
"When you train with lighter weights and higher speeds, you don't generate as much of a blood pressure response during exercise," Sayers said. "When you train with heavy weights, your blood pressure really rises, which can lead to stiffer blood vessels and restricted blood flow to your organs and tissues. Since the risk of cardiovascular disease increases for adults over 65, high-speed power training can help maintain heart and blood health as well as joint and limb health."
In addition to cardiovascular problems, Sayers added that falls are another leading cause of hospitalizations among older individuals. His research examines whether high-speed power training can help older adults move their limbs and joints faster, which can potentially be life-saving in an emergency situation.
