For healthy old adults, the difficulty that arises while performing ADLs may be due more to working at a higher level of effort relative to their maximum capability than to the absolute functional demands imposed by the task.

Because many daily tasks are executed at only a fraction of maximal strength, an understanding of submaximal force control may be important for improving function in aged adults. We compared the effects of low- and high-intensity (LI and HI, respectively) strength training on maximal and explosive strength and on the accuracy (force error) and steadiness (variability) of submaximal quadriceps force in elderly humans. Older subjects (age, 72 years; n = 27) had 57% lower maximal strength in comparison with young subjects (age, 21 years; n = 10). Older subjects had 190% (19 N), 50% (1 N), and 80% (4 N) more force error in matching 25 N of quadriceps force during eccentric, isometric, and concentric contractions, and had 157%, 0%, and 60% more variability in these forces compared with young subjects. Force error and force variability were correlated with each other but not with maximal strength. Thirty sessions of LI (n = 9 participants) or HI (n = 9 participants) training of equal total work increased maximal strength in the older subjects by 29%. Training also significantly reduced force error and variability--by 31% and 30%, respectively--of eccentric and concentric contractions. A control group of older subjects (n = 9) showed no significant changes in any variables. LI or HI strength training was equally effective in partially restoring elderly adults' maximal strength and control of submaximal force.

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Background Maintaining energy balance by consuming the required distribution of macronutrients (nutritional status) is important to support performance and health in collegiate athletes; however, less than 10% of NCAA athletes possess adequate sports nutrition knowledge or maintain nutritional status (Torres-McGehee et al., 2012). A recent study demonstrated that a sports nutrition education intervention (SNEI) improved nutritional knowledge and nutritional status in Division I volleyball players. This study investigated the effects of an SNEI on nutritional status, knowledge, body composition, and performance in NCAA Division I baseball players.