Machine-based resistance training (RT) can reduce the age-related loss in muscle power ( Pmax ). However, weight-bearing exercises have greater potential for implementation. This study investigated whether stair-climbing exercise (STAIR) was non-inferior to improve Pmax compared with machine-based RT among older adults. Functional capacity tests were secondary outcomes. Older adults (30 and 16; 70.9 +/- 4.3 years) were randomly assigned to RT or STAIR ( n = 23 per group). Supervised laboratory-based training sessions were performed 2 times per week for 12 weeks. In week 1 to 4, exercises were performed at controlled speed (hypertrophy-oriented; 4 x 12 to 15 repetitions; 55% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) in RT; step-up exercise with height of 30 to 40 cm in STAIR), in week 5 to 12 as fast as possible (power-oriented, 4 x 12 repetitions; 40% of 1RM for RT and 4 x 2 flights of 6 steps for STAIR). Leg-extensor Pmax and functional capacity were measured pre-intervention and post-intervention, and Pmax also after 4 weeks of training. Gains in Pmax were not statistically different in RT (19.5 +/- 12.2%) and STAIR (13.7 +/- 16.5%) (d 0.39, pint 0.086), whereas non-inferiority analyses were inconclusive (between-group difference in gains: 5.8% (95% CI -3.1 to 14.6); non-inferiority limit 3.9%). STAIR increased more in stair ascent performance (d 0.45 to 0.61, pint < 0.05) than RT. STAIR and RT improved similarly on 10-m fast walk, 5-repetition sit-to-stand, and countermovement jump (pint > 0.05). To conclude, STAIR and RT both induced significant changes in Pmax and functional capacity in older adults. STAIR was beneficial over RT for gains in stair-climbing performance. Future research should investigate the effects of STAIR in a home-based unsupervised setting.

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