The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a six-week augmented eccentric load program on rate of force development (RFD), center of pressure (COP) excursion and performance in the five-time-sit-to-stand (STS-5) in older adults. Eighteen moderately active older adults, (≥ 60 years) participated in this study. Subjects were separated into two groups; one group added augmented eccentric training in addition to resistance training (AEL) and a resistance training only group (RT). The AEL group participated in a six-week AEL training program that consisted of six lower extremity body exercises. Eccentric phases of each exercise movement were augmented beginning with no weight and increasing by five percent weekly up to 20 percent body weight. AEL group improved the time to complete the clinical STS-5 fall risk assessment test by -2.21 ± 1.50 s, p = 0.03. AEL demonstrated a significant increase in the RFD moving from 785 ± 176 N·s-1 to 1041 ± 187 N·s-1 (p = 0.02) during chair rising. AEL showed significant improvements in M-L and (A-P) excursion from right foot during quiet standing, 0.075 ± 0.07 m to 0.003 ± 0.01 m and 0.157 ± 0.11 to 0.005 ± 0.01. AEL improved M-L excursion in right foot and A-P excursion of left foot compared to baseline, 0.457 ± 0.20 m to 0.012 ± 0.00 m, p =0.002 and 0.465 ± 0.15 m to 0.013 ± 0.01 m, p = 0.0001. Therefore, AEL training may be a beneficial exercise prescription for older adults
