Date of Award
Spring 4-10-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Kinesiology (PhD)
Department
Kinesiology
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of velocity-based training (VBT) on muscular power and strength in middle-aged adults. Thirteen participants (48.9 ± 9.0 years) completed an 8-week VBT intervention performed at peak power (PP) on the chest press (CP; n = 12) and leg press (LP; n = 11). Participants trained using their individualized load at peak power (LPP) and velocity at peak power (VPP). Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant time effects for CP PP (p < .001, ηp² = .661), 3-repetition maximum (3-RM) (p < .001, ηp² = .722), LPP (p < .001, ηp² = .643), as well as LP 3-RM (p < .001, ηp² = .836) and LPP (p < .001, ηp² = .509). Pairwise comparisons demonstrated significant differences across all time points for CP PP (p = .001–.013), CP 3-RM (p < .001–.003), CP LPP (p < .001–.048), and LP 3-RM (p < .001). LP LPP reached significance only from pre- to post-testing (p = .006). Friedman’s test also showed significant time effects for LP PP (p < .001, W = .917), with significant changes across all time points (p = .003–.004). No significant changes in VPP were observed across the intervention. This study provides an early examination of VBT performed at PP in middle-aged adults. Although findings are limited to the current sample, results demonstrate the potential efficacy of VBT at PP for improving muscular strength and power in this population. Future studies should report force and velocity intercepts and include comparative groups to better determine the practical significance of VBT in this demographic.