Comparison of Exercise Performance in Recreationally Active and Masters Athlete Women

Physiological Adaptations to High-Intensity Interval Training Combined with Blood Flow Restriction in Masters Road Cyclists

PURPOSE

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and blood flow restriction (BFR) training have been used to enhance athletic performance and cardiovascular health. Combining these training modalities might be an effective training modality for masters athletes who seek to enhance athletic performance and to reduce cardiovascular risks.

METHODS

Fifty masters road cyclists age 35-49 yr were randomly assigned to the continuous exercise training (n = 16), continuous plus HIIT (n = 17), and continuous plus BFR training combined with HIIT (BFRIT; n = 17) for 12 wk. Both HIIT and BFRIT were performed on a cycle ergometer twice a week.

RESULTS

Maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O2max) increased in the HIIT and BFRIT groups (P < 0.05). This was accompanied by significant improvements in maximal cardiac output and stroke volume (P < 0.05). Forty-kilometer time trial performance improved in all three groups (P < 0.05). Peak power output increased in both HIIT and BFRIT groups (P < 0.05). Flow-mediated dilation in both brachial and popliteal arteries increased in all three groups (all P < 0.05). There were no significant changes in carotid intima-media thickness and arterial stiffness in any of the groups. Total lean mass, muscle cross-sectional area and thickness in rectus femoris and vastus lateralis, and peak torque of isokinetic knee extension increased only in the BFRIT group (all P < 0.05). Tissue saturation index decreased only in the BFRIT group (P < 0.05). Changes in 40-km time trial performance were associated with corresponding changes in V̇O2max (r = -0.312, P = 0.029) and peak isokinetic extensor torque (r = -0.432, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Including HIIT particularly with BFR in the routine continuous training may be more effective in enhancing performance and physiological functions in masters road cyclists.

Methodological Proposal for Strength and Power Training in Older Athletes: A Narrative Review

INTRODUCTION

Within the adult population, it is not uncommon to meet older athletes who challenge the negative stereotypes associated with aging. Although their physical performance is superior to their sedentary counterparts, they are not immune to impaired neuromuscular function, leading to a decreased physical capacity and an increased risk of injuries. Despite the abundant information about the benefits of strength/power training in advanced ages, there are no methodological proposals that guide physical activity professionals to program this type of training.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to review the factors related to the decrease in sports performance within older athletes and the benefits of a strength/power program in order to provide a methodological proposal to organize training in this population.

METHODS

This is a review article. First, databases from PubMed, Science Direct, and SPORTSDiscus and search engines, namely Google Scholar and Scielo, were reviewed, using standard keywords such as strength and power training, evaluation of physical performance, neuromuscular function, and risk of injury in the elderly athlete. All related articles published during the period 1963 to 2020 were considered. A total of 1837 documents were found. By removing 1715 unrelated documents, 122 articles were included in the study after revision control.

RESULTS

Strength/power training is key to alleviating the loss of performance in older athletes and the benefits in neuromuscular function, which helps reduce the rate of serious injuries, maintaining sports practice for a longer period of time. In order to design an appropriate program, a prior evaluation of the individual's physical-technical level must be carried out, respecting the biologicalpedagogical principles and safety regulations.

CONCLUSION

The methodological proposal delivered in this review can serve as a technical guide for physical activity professionals, which will be able to structure the strength/power training and thus preserve the sports practice in older athletes for a longer time.