The effects of ageing on functional capacity and stretch-shortening cycle muscle power.

The study measured participants once, so it cannot show how any individual person changed as they aged. Participants had to be able to perform a maximal vertical jump and were excluded for neurological, cardiopulmonary, cognitive, severe musculoskeletal, or lower-limb joint replacement problems, so the findings may not apply to frailer patients. The heel-rise test was very demanding for oldest participants and may have failed because of balance or pacing problems rather than muscle endurance. The single-leg balance test stopped at 30 seconds and many younger participants reached that ceiling, so it may not have distinguished well between younger older adults. No intervention was tested, so the study cannot show that power training improves function.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Do not conclude that power training will improve walking, balance, or independence in oldest-old adults. The study measured people once and did not give any intervention.