that moderate to high ST intensities may maintain training
induced gains in the elderly during detraining. Detraining
induced strength losses have been attributed to deterioration
of fibre size and motor unit recruitment efficiency, with
strength declining more slowly than muscle size.21 34
AP deteriorated more rapidly than strength in both groups
during detraining. There are few data on AP adaptations
during detraining. Hakkinen et al20 showed that explosive
jumping power remained unaltered after prolonged detraining.
However, power measurement by the Wingate test does
not allow direct comparison with power measurement by the
jumping test because of the differences in metabolic and
movement patterns between the two test conditions.
There is very limited information on mobility changes after
training cessation. In one study, walking time remained raised
after 24 weeks of ST cessation.20 In the present investigation,
mobility measurements remained raised in the HIST group
throughout detraining, whereas in the LIST group they
returned to baseline values within four months of detraining
(TUG and walking) or even earlier (climbing stairs). Therefore
it appears that, although strength remains raised for an
extended period of time (four to eight months) after LIST, the
functional capacity of previously inactive older men deteriorates
at a faster rate. In contrast, the functional capacity of
elderly men after HIST is maintained well above baseline levels
for at least 12 months of sedentary lifestyle. It is plausible to
hypothesise that HIST is more beneficial than LIST for long
lasting positive adaptations of functional status in the elderly.