Effectiveness of combined exercise training to improve functional fitness in older adults: A randomized controlled trial. Issue 4 (30th April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sousa, Nelson; Mendes, Romeu; Abrantes, Catarina; Sampaio, Jaime; Oliveira, José
• Is Part Of: Geriatrics and gerontology international. Volume 14:Issue 4(2014)
• Page Start: 892
• Page End: 898
• Publication Date: 2014-04-30
• Subjects: Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Japan -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Japan -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1111/ggi.12188
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1444-1586

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="ggi12188-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Aim</title> <p>The present randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of different exercise training modalities on functional fitness responses in apparently healthy older men.</p> </sec> <sec id="ggi12188-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>A total of 59 community‐dwelling older men were randomly assigned to an aerobic training group (ATG, <italic>n</italic> = 19), a combined aerobic and resistance training group (CTG, <italic>n</italic> = 20) or a control group (<italic>n</italic> = 20). Both exercise training programs were moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity, 3 days/week for 9 months. Six independent functional fitness tests (back scratch, chair sit‐and‐reach, 30‐s chair stand, arm curl, 8‐ft up‐and‐go, 6‐min walk) were measured on five different occasions. The data were analyzed using a mixed‐model ANOVA.</p> </sec> <sec id="ggi12188-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>ANOVA showed a significant main effect of group (<italic>P</italic> < 0.001) for all functional fitness tests, with significant differences between both training groups and controls. However, the ATG only improved the chair sit‐and‐reach and the 30‐s chair stand performance, whereas CTG improved in all functional fitness tests. ANOVA also identified a significant main effect of time for 8‐ft up‐and‐go (<italic>P</italic> = 0.031) in the CTG.</p> </sec> <sec id="ggi12188-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Only the combined exercise program was effective in improving all functional fitness components related to daily living activities. <bold>Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 892–898.</bold></p> </sec> </abstract>