# Long-term effects on rate of torque development and fear of falling following high-speed resistance training in older adults

## TL;DR

High-speed resistance training improves muscle performance in older adults, and maintaining moderate activity helps retain these benefits over a year.

## Contribution

This study shows that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity preserves neuromuscular gains from resistance training in older adults.

## Key findings

- Moderate-to-vigorous activity group maintained or improved torque development over 12 months.
- Fear of falling scores remained reduced in both groups after training.
- Low-activity participants showed declines in torque development after training.

## Abstract

This study examined the influence of physical activity (PA) on the retention of rate of torque development (RTD) effects achieved following a 16-week high-speed resistance training (HSRT) over a 12-month follow-up period. Secondly, the fear of falling was also assessed. After the follow-up, 36 participants were categorized into two groups according to the PA: light activity group (LAG, N = 20, age 70.00 ± 3.66 years) and moderate-to-vigorous activity group (MVAG, N = 16, age 68.50 ± 2.09 years). At the four time points, RTDPEAK and its time intervals for knee extension and flexion were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer at 60º/s, and the fear of falling was assessed using the Falls Efficacy Scale–International questionnaire. Both groups showed significant RTDPEAK improvements from pre-intervention to the 12-month follow-up (moderate-to-large effect sizes). However, PA levels suggested to influence the retention effects: LAG showed declines in dominant RTDPEAK (2% in extension and flexion) and in non-dominant side (6% extension and 5% flexion). In contrast, the MVAG maintained or slightly improved RTDPEAK performance in dominant (1% extension and 2% flexion) and in non-dominant side (3% extension and 1% flexion). Fear of falling scores remained significantly reduced in both groups compared to pre-intervention, regardless of PA level. In summary, maintaining moderate-to-vigorous PA during follow-up appears to enhance the long-term retention of HSRT-induced neuromuscular adaptations, whereas HSRT effects on fear of falling were sustained regardless of PA level, highlighting its clinical potential for fall prevention.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-09095-8.