Low adherence to prescribed time under tension in elastic band resistance training in older adults. An observational study

Time under tension (TUT) is an important variable in resistance training (RT). A stretch sensor (Bandcizer) attached to an elastic band during RT can quantify TUT reliably.

Objective: To explore adherence to prescribed TUT for elastic band RT with the Bandcizer during supervised and unsupervised RT at different time points.

Methods: 22 men and women (66.2 ± 2.1 years) performed one supervised and two unsupervised sessions weekly of elastic band RT for the upper and lower extremities with the Bandcizer during a 25-week period. Prescribed TUT was 4 s/repetition. Bandcizer data were extracted from week: 1, 8, and median 24. The effects of time point and supervision on adherence (%) to TUT and number of repetitions were analyzed by Two-way ANOVA.

Results: During supervised sessions, adherence to prescribed TUT was 79 ± 4%, 60 ± 4%, and 53 ± 5% in week: 1, 8, and median 24, respectively (p < 0.001). There was no difference in adherence between supervised and unsupervised sessions at any time points. Adherence to the prescribed number of repetitions in each training session was close to 100%.

Conclusion: Adherence to prescribed TUT was low during both supervised and unsupervised, home-based elastic band RT and decreased over time despite weekly supervision. Our results highlight the need to focus on TUT when planning and implementing elastic band resistance training in retirement age individuals.