Motor imagery and resistance training improve strength in older adults through distinct effects on agonist-antagonist coordination.

Objective: Age-related declines in muscle strength are partly attributable to altered neural drive and agonist-antagonist coordination. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of motor imagery training (MIT) on maximal force production and neuromuscular activation patterns in healthy older adults, with conventional strength training (CST) included as a reference intervention. Methods: Thirty-two right-handed older adults were randomly assigned to an 8-week MIT ( Results: Both MIT and CST significantly increased maximal force compared with CTRL ( Conclusion: Both MIT and CST were associated with improvements in strength and coordination efficiency in older adults. Exploratory findings further suggest that strength gains may be more closely aligned with changes in relative agonist-antagonist coordination than with changes in absolute antagonist activation. Exploratory agonist EMG analysis further provides context suggesting that increased agonist activation may contribute, at least in part, to the observed coordination changes. These findings are consistent with a contribution of neural mechanisms, although direct neurophysiological measures are needed to confirm the underlying processes. Motor imagery training may therefore represent a viable low-load strategy for neuromuscular rehabilitation in aging populations.