Impact of short-term aerobic interval training on maximal exercise in sedentary aged subjects

Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Performance Adaptations to High-Intensity Interval Training: Are There Differences Between Men and Women? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses

BACKGROUND

It is important to consider biological sex as a variable that might influence exercise adaptation in order to optimize exercise prescription for men and women.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to quantify the impact of biological sex on maximal oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]O2max) and performance outcomes after high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

METHODS

A systematic search and review was conducted by two independent reviewers up to 8 September 2022 using MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, and Sports Medicine & Education Index in ProQuest. Trials including healthy adults were included if they presented data for or compared male and female [Formula: see text]O2max or performance outcomes in response to HIIT. Performance outcomes included measures of exercise performance and concurrently measured physiological adaptations. Where appropriate, a random-effects, pre-post meta-analysis was undertaken. Data were sub-grouped for men and women, baseline training level, mean age, intervention type, and intervention length. Heterogeneity was assessed using Chi2, Cochran's Q, and Higgins I2 and sensitivity analyses, where required. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and publication bias was assessed through visual inspection of funnel plots.

RESULTS

Thirty-three references from 28 trials were included in the review (n = 965; 462 women and 503 men). Meta-analyses included 19 studies for [Formula: see text]O2max, eight for peak power output from [Formula: see text]O2max testing (PPO), and five for threshold power (powerAT). Meta-analyses revealed similar increases in [Formula: see text]O2max in women (g = 0.57; 95% CI 0.44-0.69) and men (g = 0.57; 95% CI 0.42-0.72), and powerAT in women (g = 0.38; 95% CI 0.13-0.64) and men (g = 0.38; 95% CI 0.11-0.64). Raw mean differences for change in [Formula: see text]O2max were Δ 0.32 L·min-1 and 3.50 mL·kg-1·min-1 in men, versus Δ 0.20 L·min-1 and 3.34 mL·kg-1·min-1 for women. No significant sex differences were present for the primary analysis of any outcome. After sub-grouping, significant differences were present for PPO where the effect size was higher for well-trained women (g = 0.37) compared with well-trained men (g = 0.17), and for [Formula: see text]O2max where interventions with a duration of 4 weeks or less had significantly smaller effect sizes compared with those longer than 4 weeks (p < 0.001). Unweighted mean percentage change in [Formula: see text]O2max, PPO, and powerAT across studies was 11.16 ± 7.39%, 11.16 ± 5.99%, and 8.07 ± 6.55% for women, and 10.90 ± 5.75%, 8.22 ± 5.09%, and 7.09 ± 7.17% for men, respectively. Significant heterogeneity was present for both [Formula: see text]O2max and PPO (I2, range: 62.06-78.80%). Sub-grouping by baseline training status and intervention length decreased heterogeneity in most groups. A qualitative synthesis of other outcomes indicated similar improvements in fitness and performance for men and women with some evidence suggesting differences in the mechanisms of adaptation.

LIMITATIONS AND RISK OF BIAS

Publication bias is unlikely to have significantly influenced results for [Formula: see text]O2max or powerAT, but the meta-analysis of PPO could have benefitted from additional study data to strengthen results. The overlap in age categories and sensitivity of the analysis limits the accuracy of the results of the sub-grouping by age.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings indicated no sex-specific differences for any fitness or performance outcomes. Baseline training status and intervention length accounted for most variability in outcomes. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021272615.

Sprint Interval Training on Stationary Air Bike Elicits Cardiorespiratory Adaptations While Being Time-Efficient

ABSTRACT

Moghaddam, M, Cervantes, M, Cheshier, B, and Jacobson, BH. Sprint interval training on stationary air bike elicits cardiorespiratory adaptations while being time-efficient. J Strength Cond Res 37(9): 1795-1801, 2023-Sprint interval training (SIT) refers to a set of brief intermittent exercises that are performed at maximal intensity. This study compared the effects of 2 SIT protocols (e.g., 10-5-SIT and 20-10-SIT) vs. moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on cardiovascular adaptations, using stationary air bikes. Thirty-two recreationally active individuals were randomly assigned to the 3 performance groups, such as 10-5-SIT (n = 11), 20-10-SIT (n = 10), and MICT (n = 11), to train 3 days per week for 4 weeks. Moderate-intensity continuous training included 30 minutes of cycling at 75% of maximal heart rate reserve, whereas the SIT protocols consisted of 3 sets of 8 intervals at all-out intensity. The 10-5-SIT and 20-10-SIT were performed with 10-second work:5-second rest and 20-second work:10-second rest, with 2.5- and 5-minute recovery periods between sets, respectively. A ramp protocol was used before and after the intervention via cycle ergometer to assess aerobic performance. Time to exhaustion (TTE), absolute V̇o2max (A-V̇o2max), relative V̇o2max (R-V̇o2max), and metabolic equivalents (METs) were measured and analyzed with 2-way mixed factorial analyses of variance (ANOVAs). In addition, total work (TW) during 12 sessions were recorded and analyzed with 1-way ANOVA. Significant (p < 0.05) differences were found for TW (10-5-SIT: 907.3 ± 332.0, 20-10-SIT: 1230.0 ± 188.1, and MICT: 2263.0 ± 896.9 calories) between groups. A significant main effect of time was observed for 10-5-SIT, 20-10-SIT, and MICT (p < 0.05) in TTE (increased by 7.3, 8.7, and 8.2%), A-V̇o2max (increased by 13.0, 11.8, and 13.6%), R-V̇o2max (increased by 12.6, 12.1, and 14.8%), and METs (increased by 12.7, 12.3, and 14.9%), respectively. Despite less volume and duration, both SIT protocols induced cardiorespiratory adaptations similar to MICT. These findings suggest that performing SIT on a stationary air bike is valuable because of time-efficiency and cardiorespiratory adaptations.

Chronic Effects of Different Intensities of Interval Training on Hemodynamic, Autonomic and Cardiorespiratory Variables of Physically Active Elderly People

Interval training (IT) is a very efficient method. We aimed to verify the chronic effects of IT with different intensities on hemodynamic, autonomic and cardiorespiratory variables in the elderly. Twenty-four physically active elderly men participated in the study and were randomized into three groups: Training Group A (TG_A, n = 8), Training Group B (TG_B, n = 8) and control group (CG, n = 8). The TG_A and TG_B groups performed 32 sessions (48 h interval). TG_A presented 4 min (55 to 60% of HRmax) and 1 min (70 to 75% of HRmax). The TGB training groups performed the same protocol, but performed 4 min at 45 to 50% HRmax and 1 min at 60 to 65% HRmax. Both training groups performed each set six times, totaling 30 min per session. Assessments were performed pre (baseline) after the 16th and 32nd intervention session. The CG performed only assessments. Hemodynamic, autonomic and cardiorespiratory (estimated VO_2max) variables were evaluated. There were no significant differences between protocols and times (p > 0.05). However, the effect size and percentage delta indicated positive clinical outcomes, indicating favorable responses of IT. IT may be a strategy to improve hemodynamic, autonomic and cardiorespiratory behavior in healthy elderly people.

[Effectiveness of high intensity interval training in the cardiorespiratory capacity of people older than 65 years old: A systematic review]

The objective of this review was to analyze the effect of HIIT on cardiorespiratory fitness, health-related quality of life (HRQL) and safety of its execution in people over 65 years of age. A systematic search was carried out, following the PRISMA recommendations, in 11 electronic databases, evaluating the resolution of the HIIT, affecting cardiorespiratory capacity as the main result and secondarily HRQL and safety of its execution, assessing the risk of bias using Rob 2.0 and ROBINS-I. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria, consisting of people >65 years, HIIT intervention >4 weeks, and studies assessing cardiorespiratory fitness. It can be concluded that HIIT improves cardiorespiratory capacity in people over 65 years of age, with respect to HRQL and the safety of its execution, the results are not conclusive. It becomes essential to unify criteria in intervention protocols, requiring further research in this regard.

Impact of high-intensity interval training on cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, physical fitness, and metabolic parameters in older adults: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can effectively increase peak oxygen consumption, body composition, physical fitness, and health-related characteristics of adults; however, its impact in the older population remains highly debated. This review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of high-intensity interval training on cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, physical fitness, and health-related outcomes in older adults. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and Web of Science) were searched (until July 2020) for randomized trials comparing the effect of HIIT on physical fitness, metabolic parameters, and cardiorespiratory fitness in older adults. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies; Stata 14.0 software was used for statistical analysis. HIIT significantly improved the maximum rate of oxygen consumption (VO_2peak) as compared to a moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) protocol (HIIT vs. MICT: weighted mean difference = 1.74, 95% confidence interval: 0.80-2.69, p < 0.001). Additional subgroup analyses determined that training periods >12 weeks, training frequencies of 2 sessions/week, session lengths of 40 min, 6 sets and repetitions, training times per repetition of >60 s, and rest times of <90 s were more effective for VO_2peak. This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that HIIT induces favorable adaptions in cardiorespiratory fitness, physical fitness, muscle power, cardiac contractile function, mitochondrial citrate synthase activity, and reduced blood triglyceride and glucose levels in older individuals, which may help to maintain aerobic fitness and slow down the process of sarcopenia.

Effects of Cardiovascular Interval Training in Healthy Elderly Subjects: A Systematic Review

The aim of this review is to demonstrate the effects of cardiovascular interval training (IT) on healthy elderly subjects. We used the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The following variables were observed: resting heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MBP), heart rate variability (HRV), baroreflex activity (BA), and maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max). Studies were searched for in the MedLine, PubMed, and Sport Discus databases considering publications between 1990 and 2019. To find the studies, the keywords used were “Interval and Elderly Training” or “Interval Training and Baroreflex Sensing” or “Interval Training and Aging and Pressure Arterial and Blood Pressure Training” or “Interval Training and Variation in Aging and Heart Rate” or “Interval Training and Sensitivity to the Elderly and Baroreflex” or “Interval Training and Variability in the Elderly and Heart Rate.” The systematic search identified 1,140 hits. The analysis of the study was performed through a critical review of the content. One thousand one hundred forty articles were identified. Of these, 1,108 articles were excluded by checking the articles and abstracts. Finally, 32 studies were selected for full reading while 26 studies were eliminated because they did not contain a methodology according to the purpose of this review. Thus, six studies were included for the final analysis. The PEDro score was used for analyzing the study quality and found 4,8 ± 1,3 points (range: 3–6). Positive results were found with the different IT protocols in the observed variables. Results show that IT protocols can be an efficient method for functional improvement of cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory variables in the healthy elderly, especially HR, SBP, DBP, MAP, HRV, BA, and VO_2max. However, this method can be included in the prescription of aerobic training for the elderly to obtain conditional improvements in the cardiovascular system, thus being an important clinical intervention for the public.

Women with metabolic syndrome show similar health benefits from high-intensity interval training than men

High-intensity interval training (HIIT), is effective to improve cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) components in adults. However, it is unclear if CRF and MetS components respond similarly in men and women after HIIT. For 16 weeks, 63 women (53±7 years) and 56 men (55±8 years) with MetS underwent a three day/week HIIT program. Bodyweight and composition, VO_2MAX, surrogate parameters of CRF (Ventilatory threshold (VT), oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) and VE/VCO₂ slope), maximal rate of fat oxidation (MFO), and MetS components were assessed before and after training. All reported variables were analyzed by split-plot ANOVA looking for time by sex interactions. Before training men had higher absolute values of VO_2MAX (58.6%), and MFO (24.6%), while lower body fat mass (10.5%) than women (all P<0.05). After normalization by fat-free mass (FFM), VO_2MAX remained 16.6% higher in men (P<0.05), whereas differences in MFO disappeared (P = 0.292). After intervention VO_2MAX (P<0.001), VO₂ at VT (P<0.001), OUES (P<0.001), and VE/VCO2 slope (P<0.001) increased without differences by sex (P>0.05). After training MetS Z-score (P<0.001) improved without differences between men and women (P>0.05). From the MetS components, only blood pressure (P<0.001) and waist circumference (P<0.001) improved across time, without differences by sex. In both, women and men, changes in OUES (r = 0.685 and r = 0.445, respectively), and VO₂ at VT (r = 0.378, and r = 0.445, respectively), correlated with VO_2MAX. While only bodyweight changes correlated with MetS Z-score changes (r = 0.372, and = 0.300, respectively). Despite baseline differences, 16-weeks of HIIT similarly improved MetS, cardiorespiratory and metabolic fitness in women and men with MetS. This suggests that there are no restrictions due to sex on the benefits derived from an intense exercise program in the health of MetS participants.

Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov NCT03019796

Combining a high DHA multi-nutrient supplement with aerobic exercise: Protocol for a randomised controlled study assessing mobility and cognitive function in older women

There is a complex interplay between cognition and gait in older people, with declines in gait speed coexisting with, or preceding cognitive decline. Omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, vitamin E, phosphatidylserine, and Ginkgo Biloba show promise in preserving mobility and cognitive function in older adults. Exercise benefits mobility and there is evidence suggesting positive interactions between exercise and omega-3 fatty acids on physical and cognitive function in older adults. Non-frail or pre-frail females aged ≥60 years are included in a randomized placebo controlled study. Intervention groups are: high DHA multi-nutrient supplement and exercise, placebo supplement and exercise, high DHA multi-nutrient supplement, and placebo supplement. Dietary supplementation is 24 weeks. The exercise intervention, two cycle ergometer classes per week, is for the final 12 weeks. The primary outcome is habitual walking speed, secondary outcomes include gait variables under single and dual task, five times sit to stand, verbal and spatial memory, executive function, interference control and health related quality of life. Blood fatty acids, serum homocysteine, dietary intake, physical activity, and verbal intelligence are measured to assess compliance and control for confounding factors. The study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03228550).

Effect of Endurance and Strength Training on the Slow Component of O 2 Kinetics in Elderly Humans

We compared the effects of 8 weeks of high intensity, aerobic interval training (HIT) and isoinertial resistance training (IRT) on: (i) O₂ kinetics during heavy (HiEx) intensity exercise and; (ii) work economy during moderate (ModEx) intensity exercise in 12 healthy elderly men (69.3 ± 4.2 years). Breath-by-breath O₂ and muscle deoxygenation ([HHb] by means of NIRS) were measured in HiEx and ModEx at identical workloads before and after trainings. In HiEx, O₂ and HHb responses were modeled as tri-exponential and mono-exponential increasing functions, respectively. A two-way ANOVA for repeated measures analysis was made; Effect size (η²) was also evaluated. After HIT the amplitude and the time delay of the slow component of O₂ uptake (O_2sc) during HiEx were smaller (−32%; P = 0.045) and longer (+19.5%; P = 0.001), respectively. At Post IRT: (i) during ModEx, gain was lower (−5%; P = 0.050); (ii) during HiEx, τ₂ (+14.4%; P = 0.050), d₃ (+8.6%; P = 0.050), and τ₃ (+17.2%; P = 0.050) were longer than at Pre IRT. After HIT, the decrease of the O_2sc amplitude was likely induced by the beneficial effects of training on a more responsive O₂ delivery and consumption cascade leading to a better muscle metabolic stability. IRT training was able to increase exercise economy during ModEx and to reduce the amplitude and delay the onset of O_2sc during HiEx. These effects should be due to the reduction and the delayed recruitment of Type II muscle fibers. The better exercise economy and the delayed appearance of O_2sc induced by IRT suggests that strength training might be included in endurance training programs to improve exercise economy and resistance to fatigue in this population of old subjects.

The Impact of Daily Sleep Hours on the Health of Korean Middle-Aged Women

This study aimed to examine the association between sleep and health in order to provide useful information to manage the health of obese women in the future. One hundred fifty-five Korean women aged 40-60 years without a previous diagnosis of abnormal glucose metabolism or other health problems and with body fat percentages greater than 30 percent were classified into two groups: a non-obese group and an obese group. Sleep hours exhibited a significant positive correlation with weight, body mass index, muscle mass, and glucose levels in the obese group. Significant differences were found for the body composition except the muscle mass. For physical fitness, all factors were significantly different between two groups. Additionally, there were correlations between sleep hours and weight, body mass index, muscle mass, and glucose level in the obese group. However, sleep hours did not exhibit these correlations in the non-obese group.

Physical activity levels objectively measured among older adults: a population-based study in a Southern city of Brazil

BACKGROUND

Low levels of physical activity are currently observed in all age groups around the world. Among older adults physical activity is even lower, potentially influencing quality of life, incidence of diseases and premature mortality. The aim of this study was to describe objectively measured physical activity levels among older adults residents in a Southern city of Brazil.

METHODS

A population-based study was carried out including people aged 60+ years living in the urban area of Pelotas. Face-to-face interviews, anthropometric measures and triaxial accelerometry (non-dominant wrist) were used to collect sociodemographic, anthropometric and physical activity, respectively. For descriptive purposes, overall physical activity was expressed as daily averages of acceleration. Time spent in light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) using different bout criteria (non-bouted, and in 1-, 5- and 10-min bouts) were calculated. Crude and adjusted analyses were performed using simple linear regression to examine the association between physical activity and exposure variables.

RESULTS

Overall, 971 individuals provided valid accelerometry data. Women spent on average more time on LPA (136.2 vs. 127.6 min per day). Men and women respectively accumulated, in average, 64.5 and 56.7 min per day of non-bouted MVPA, while these daily averages were 14.9 and 9.46 min using 5-min, and 8.1 and 4.5 min using 10-min bout MVPA. In adjusted analyses, men aged 80 years or more spent in average 45 min less LPA per day when compared to men 60-69 years and, among women, this difference was 65 min. Considering time in 5-min MVPA bouts, the youngest age group and those with a better self-perceived health accumulated more MVPA. Specifically among men, socioeconomic status was inversely associated with 5-min bout MVPA.

CONCLUSION

The present study showed low levels of physical activity among Brazilian older adults, even lower in more advanced ages, and a different pattern for physical activity intensity between men and women.

[The 'physical aptitude for health consultation' in a geriatric unit]

The aim of the 'physical aptitude for health consultation' is to offer a validated physical reconditioning programme to adults with a stabilised chronic condition. It notably enables the absence of any contraindications to be established. A first of its kind in France, the programme has been implemented at Strasbourg university hospital.

Effects of eight weeks of aerobic interval training and of isoinertial resistance training on risk factors of cardiometabolic diseases and exercise capacity in healthy elderly subjects

We investigated the effect of 8 weeks of high intensity interval training (HIT) and isoinertial resistance training (IRT) on cardiovascular fitness, muscle mass-strength and risk factors of metabolic syndrome in 12 healthy older adults (68 yy ± 4). HIT consisted in 7 two-minute repetitions at 80%–90% of V˙O2max, 3 times/w. After 4 months of recovery, subjects were treated with IRT, which included 4 sets of 7 maximal, bilateral knee extensions/flexions 3 times/w on a leg-press flywheel ergometer. HIT elicited significant: i) modifications of selected anthropometrical features; ii) improvements of cardiovascular fitness and; iii) decrease of systolic pressure. HIT and IRT induced hypertrophy of the quadriceps muscle, which, however, was paralleled by significant increases in strength only after IRT. Neither HIT nor IRT induced relevant changes in blood lipid profile, with the exception of a decrease of LDL and CHO after IRT. Physiological parameters related with aerobic fitness and selected body composition values predicting cardiovascular risk remained stable during detraining and, after IRT, they were complemented by substantial increase of muscle strength, leading to further improvements of quality of life of the subjects.

A 31-day time to surgery compliant exercise training programme improves aerobic health in the elderly

BACKGROUND

Over 41,000 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) in the UK in 2011. The incidence of CRC increases with age. Many elderly patients undergo surgery for CRC, the only curative treatment. Such patients are exposed to risks, which increase with age and reduced physical fitness. Endurance-based exercise training programmes can improve physical fitness, but such programmes do not comply with the UK, National Cancer Action Team 31-day time-to-treatment target. High-intensity interval training (HIT) can improve physical performance within 2-4 weeks, but few studies have shown HIT to be effective in elderly individuals, and those who do employ programmes longer than 31 days. Therefore, we investigated whether HIT could improve cardiorespiratory fitness in elderly volunteers, age-matched to a CRC population, within 31 days.

METHODS

This observational cohort study recruited 21 healthy elderly participants (8 male and 13 female; age 67 years (range 62-73 years)) who undertook cardiopulmonary exercise testing before and after completing 12 sessions of HIT within a 31-day period.

RESULTS

Peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak) (23.9 ± 4.7 vs. 26.2 ± 5.4 ml/kg/min, p = 0.0014) and oxygen consumption at anaerobic threshold (17.86 ± 4.45 vs. 20.21 ± 4.11 ml/kg/min, p = 0.008) increased after HIT.

CONCLUSIONS

It is possible to improve cardiorespiratory fitness in 31 days in individuals of comparable age to those presenting for CRC surgery.

Health benefits of cycle ergometer training for older adults over 70: a review

As the number of older adults continues to increase worldwide, more attention is being paid to geriatric health care needs, and successful ageing is becoming an important topic in the medical literature. A preventive approach to the care of older adults is thus a priority in our aging societies. The purpose of this study was to update evidence for the health benefits of cycle ergometer training for older adults over 70. We searched online electronic databases up to September 2014 for original observational and intervention studies on the relationship between cycle ergometer training and health among older patients over 70. Twenty-five studies examined interventions aimed specifically at promoting cycling for older adults over 70. These studies reported a positive effect on the prevention of cardiovascular disease, and a significant improvement in metabolic responses. Improving functional status, muscle strength and cognitive performance are also well established. Overall, this review demonstrates a positive effect of cycle ergometer training with functional benefits and positive health outcomes for older adults over 70. Based on this evidence, clinicians can now encourage older adults to profit from the health benefits of cycle ergometer training to be able to pursue their daily activities independently.

Effect of a short-term intermittent exercise-training programme on the pulse wave velocity and arterial pressure: a prospective study among 71 healthy older subjects

AIMS OF THE STUDY

Stiffening of large arteries has been associated with increased cardiovascular outcomes among older subjects. Endurance exercises might attenuate artery stiffness, but little is known about the effects of intermittent training programme. We evaluate the effect of a short Intermittent Work Exercise Training Program (IWEP) on arterial stiffness estimated by the measure of the pulse wave velocity (PWV).

METHODS AND SUBJECTS

Seventy-one healthy volunteers (mean age: 64.6 years) free of symptomatic cardiac and pulmonary disease performed a 9-week IWEP that consisted of a 30-min cycling twice a week over a 9-week period. Each session involved six 5-min bouts of exercise, each of the latter separated into 4-min cycling at the first ventilatory threshold alternated with 1-min cycling at 90% of the pretraining maximal tolerated power. Before and after the IWEP, the following measurements were made: carotid-radial PWV and carotid-femoral PWV with a tonometer and systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

RESULTS

Training resulted in a non-significant decrease of the carotid-radial PWV, a significant decrease of the carotid-femoral PWV from 10.2 to 9.6 m/s (p < 0.001) (that was no longer significant after adjustment for mean arterial pressure) and a significant decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively, from 129.6 ± 14.9 mmHg to 120.1 ± 14.1 mmHg (p < 0.001) and from 77.2 ± 8.8 mmHg to 71.4 ± 10.1 mmHg (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The present results support the idea that a short-term intermittent aerobic exercise programme may be an effective lifestyle intervention for reducing rapidly blood pressure and probably central arterial stiffness among older healthy subjects.

Sarcopenia in the elderly: basic and clinical issues

The original definition of sarcopenia refers to the age-related loss of muscle mass. The literature suggests that the prevalence of sarcopenia in 60- to 70-year-olds is in the range of 5-13%. Prevalence estimates increase to 11-50% for the population aged 80 years or older. Estimates by the World Health Organization suggest that there were 600 million people aged 60 years or older in the year 2000, and that this number will increase to 1.2 billion by the year 2025. There are, however, limited published data on serial measures of muscle mass in older subjects to establish the age-related changes in muscle mass and to relate this change with adverse health consequences. This review is focused on the definition, prevalence, symptoms, pharmacy and physical therapy of sarcopenia in older subjects with the aim of promoting the recognition and treatment of age-related sarcopenia in the clinical setting.

Resposta da frequência cardíaca durante sessão de treinamento de karatê

A prática do karatê pode promover adaptações benéficas sobre os componentes da aptidão física relacionada com a saúde. Dentre esses componentes, o consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2max) é um importante indicador de aptidão cardiorrespiratória, como também forte preditor de risco de morte por doença cardiovascular. Estudos anteriores avaliaram as respostas da Frequência Cardíaca na modalidade de karatê durante protocolos elaborados pelos pesquisadores que simularam o treinamento. No entanto, esses resultados devem ser interpretados com cautela, uma vez que protocolos podem comprometer a validade ecológica do comportamento da FC. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi, através do monitoramento da FC, investigar a distribuição da intensidade durante uma sessão de treinamento de karatê (ST) com a validade ecológica preservada. Nove atletas (M (DP) = 22 (5,2) anos; 60,3 (12,9) kg; 170,0 (0,10) cm; 11,6 (5,7) % gordura) realizaram teste incremental máximo (T I) e uma ST, com monitoramento contínuo da FC, distribuída posteriormente conforme método proposto por Edwards. O tempo médio de duração da ST foi de 91,3 (11,9) minutos (IC95% = 82,0 - 100,5). Os valores de FC média e máxima da ST foram equivalentes a 72% (IC95% = 66-78%) e 94% (IC95% = 89-99%) da FC máxima alcançada durante T I (FCmax), respectivamente. Durante 79,9% (IC95% = 65,7-94,1%) do tempo total da ST, os karatecas permaneceram em uma intensidade superior a 60% da FCmax. Deste modo, conclui-se que a intensidade da ST de karatê atende às recomendações do ACSM com relação à intensidade, duração e frequência semanal, apresentando-se como uma interessante alternativa de exercícios físicos para promoção da aptidão cardiorrespiratória.

Effects of a short-term personalized Intermittent Work Exercise Program (IWEP) on maximal cardio-respiratory function and endurance parameters among healthy young and older seniors

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of a short-term Intermittent Work Exercise Program (IWEP) among healthy elderly subjects.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

This longitudinal prospective study took place at the Strasbourg University Hospital geriatric department.

STUDY PARTICIPANTS

One hundred and fifty older volunteers, previously determined as being free from cardiac and pulmonary disease, were separated into two age groups: the "young senior" (60.2 ± 3.1 yr) and the "older senior" groups (70.8 ± 5.2 yr). These groups were then subdivided by gender into the "young female senior", "young male senior" "older female senior" and "older male senior" groups.

INTERVENTION

Before and after the IWEP, all subjects were asked to perform an incremental cycle exercise to obtain their first ventilatory threshold (VT1), maximal tolerated power (MTP), peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and maximal minute ventilation (MMV). The IWEP consisted of a 30-min cycling exercise which took place twice a week, and was divided into six 5-min stages consisting of 4 min at VT1 intensity and 1 min at 90% MTP.

MEASUREMENTS

An assessment was made of the effects of the IWEP on maximal cardio-respiratory function (MTP, VO2peak, MMV) and endurance parameters (VT1, heart rate [HR] measured at pretraining VT1 and lactate concentrations at pre-training MTP).

RESULTS

This short-term training program resulted in a significant increase of MTP (from 13.2% to 20.6%), VO2peak (from 8.9% to 16.6%) and MMV (from 11.1% to 21.8%) in all groups (p<0.05). VT1 improved from 21% at pretraining to 27%, while HR at pre-training VT1 as well as lactate concentrations at pre-training MTP decreased significantly in all groups (p<0.05). The post-training values for VO2peak and MMV of the "older seniors" were not significantly different (p>0.05) from the "young seniors" pre-training values for the same parameters.

CONCLUSION

The most striking finding in this study is that after only 9 weeks, our short-term "individually-tailored" IWEP significantly improved both maximal cardio-respiratory function and endurance parameters in healthy, previously untrained seniors.

Exercise training improves sleep pattern and metabolic profile in elderly people in a time-dependent manner

Aging and physical inactivity are two factors that favors the development of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, and sleep dysfunction. In contrast, the adoption a habitual of moderate exercise may present a non-pharmacological treatment alternative for sleep and metabolic disorders. We aimed to assess the effects of moderate exercise training on sleep quality and on the metabolic profile of elderly people with a sedentary lifestyle. Fourteen male sedentary, healthy, elderly volunteers performed moderate training for 60 minutes/day, 3 days/week for 24 wk at a work rate equivalent to the ventilatory aerobic threshold. The environment was kept at a temperature of 23 ± 2°C, with an air humidity 60 ± 5%. Blood and polysomnographs analysis were collected 3 times: at baseline (1 week before training began), 3 and 6 months (after 3 and 6 months of training). Training promoted increasing aerobic capacity (relative VO₂, time and velocity to VO_2max; p < 0.05), and reduced serum NEFA, and insulin concentrations as well as improved HOMA index (p < 0.05), and increased adiponectin levels (p < 0.05), after 3 months of training when compared with baseline data. The sleep parameters, awake time and REM sleep latency were decreased after 6 months exercise training (p < 0.05) in relation baseline values. Our results demonstrate that the moderate exercise training protocol improves the sleep profile in older people, but the metabolism adaptation does not persist. Suggesting that this population requires training strategy modifications as to ensure consistent alterations regarding metabolism.

Physical activity and sarcopenia

Physical activity can be a valuable countermeasure to sarcopenia in its treatment and prevention. In considering physical training strategies for sarcopenic subjects, it is critical to consider personal and environmental obstacles to access opportunities for physical activity for any patient with chronic disease. This article presents an overview of current knowledge of the effects of physical training on muscle function and the physical activity recommended for sarcopenic patients. So that this countermeasure strategy can be applied in practice, the authors propose a standardized protocol for prescribing physical activity in chronic diseases such as sarcopenia.