Velocity-based training affects function, strength, and power in persons with Parkinson’s disease.

Background Velocity-based training (VBT) is a unique new resistance-training technique, typically used by high-level athletes, which uses changes in velocity rather than load to dictate progressions. No study has examined the effects of VBT on performance in persons with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Objective To compare the effects of 10% and 30% velocity threshold protocols on changes in functional performance, strength, and power in persons with PD following 12 weeks of supervised VBT, three days per week. Methods Participants were recruited from a university population and from individuals residing in surrounding neighborhoods using flyers, and from an existing phone list of persons interested in participation. Data collected before and after training included the 6-m walk test at habitual and maximal gait speed, the 5 time sit-to-stand test (5xSTS), 1 repetition maximum (1RM) testing for both the chest-press (CP) and leg-press (LP) exercise, and power testing for the CP and LP. Results Data from 16 subjects was collected for the analysis. Significant time effects were seen for the 6-m walk test at maximal speed, 5xSTS, 1RM for both CP and LP and peak power (PP) for the LP exercise. Secondary analyses revealed time effects for 5xSTS power, and the load at which PP was achieved for the CP exercise. A Wilcoxon signed rank test revealed no significant differences in the percentage of 1RM at which peak power was achieved for either condition. Conclusion Results indicate that VBT is an effective training modality for improving functional capability, strength, and power in persons with PD. All data was collected by graduate researchers at the University of Miami. All measures were taken as pre- and post-measurements before and after a velocity-based training intervention using resistance training in persons affected with Parkinson's Disease. Measures included functional strength, and power testing. Subjects came into the laboratory 3 times a week for 8 weeks to train under the supervision of undergraduate and graduate research assistants using computerized pneumatic resistance training machines (HUR Inc, Park Ridge, IL, USA). The “VelCode” column represents the two different conditions used to run the repeated measures. All subjects used velocity-based training, however the groups utilized two different deficits in order to train. The load-based group utilized a 30% deficit in velocity to determine progression, and the velocity-based group utilized a 10% deficit. All variables are listed with either the suffix “Pre” or “Post” to distinguish the two different time points used in the repeated measures. Missing data is due to injury, refusal to complete a test at maximal effort, or absence of subjects from testing.