The global aging of the population presents significant challenges to health and quality of life, especially among the elderly, who face a higher prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors. Additionally, aging is associated with increases in blood pressure (BP) and a gradual loss of functional capacity. On the other hand, physical exercise improves various cardiometabolic and functional aspects of the elderly. However, determining the ideal weekly frequency of physical training for this population is uncertain, requiring further investigation of the manipulation of this training variable on overall health parameters. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effect of two different weekly frequencies of combined training on the functional capacity, hemodynamic, and anthropometric aspects of elderly individuals with cardiometabolic risk factors. The study adopted an uncontrolled clinical trial design, focused on investigating the effects of combined training over 12 weeks, conducted at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) and involved elderly participants from the Cardiopulmonary Prevention and Rehabilitation Program (PROCOR). Participants underwent a wide range of assessments, including anthropometric measurements, functional capacity tests through the Senior Fitness Test battery and the 1000-meter test, as well as blood pressure assessments using automatic equipment. Then, participants were divided into two groups: G2x, which trained twice a week, and G3x, which trained three times a week during the intervention period, which consisted of three mesocycles of four weeks each with intensity progression. Data analysis was performed by intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP), using generalized estimating equations, with Bonferroni post-hoc adjustment.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
22
Aerobic training consisted of interval and pyramidal treadmill exercises, with participants autonomously adjusting speed and incline according to their perceived exertion. Those in G2x alternated equally between speed- and incline-focused sessions. Strength training included bench press, leg press, seated row, and abductor machine exercises. At the start of each mesocycle, a load assessment test was conducted using two sets with the same load; adjustments were made based on second-set performance to maintain the prescribed repetition range. Participants were familiarized with the Borg 6-20 scale, treadmill speed and incline adjustments, and resistance exercises, receiving instruction on proper technique and selection of an appropriate initial load.
Sports Center - Federal University of Santa Catarina
Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
change in strength
Lower limb strength was measured using the 30-second sit-to-stand test. The test result used was the number of repetitions performed in this time, in one attempt. Upper limb strength was assessed using the 30-second arm curl test, with a 2.0 kg dumbbell for women and a 4.0 kg dumbbell for men. The test result was the total number of curls completed in a single attempt with the dominant arm.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
change in balance/Agility
Agility/dynamic balance was measured using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. The test result was the shortest time to stand up from a seated position, walk 3.00 meters, turn around, and return to the seated position. The TUG was performed at two walking speeds (maximum and usual), with two attempts for each, and the shortest time of each speed was recorded.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
change in flexibility
Flexibility was assessed using the sit-and-reach test, in which participants sat on a mat with their legs fully extended and their feet placed against a box used for the test, reaching forward. The total distance reached represented the final score, with two reach attempts recorded.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
change in cardiorespiratory fitness
Aerobic capacity was evaluated using two tests: the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), which participants completed one attempt, and the result was the total distance covered in that time; and the 1000-meter test (1000m), that was developed due to the presence of a ceiling effect observed in the 6MWT in many participants in previous PROCOR training semesters, in which participants also made one attempt, and the score was the total time in seconds to complete the distance, allowing walking and/or running.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in clinic systolic blood pressure
Three blood pressure measurements were obtained using a portable automatic monitor (OMRON, model HEM-7200, Brazil). Each participant remained seated and in silence for 10 minutes, and then three measurements of blood pressure and heart rate were taken, with a one-minute interval between each. The same procedure was repeated on a second day, resulting in a total of six systolic and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) measurements (in mmHg) and six heart rate measurements. The final values were determined by calculating the arithmetic mean of the measurements from both days, resulting in the final average.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in clinic diastolic blood pressure
Three blood pressure measurements were obtained using a portable automatic monitor (OMRON, model HEM-7200, Brazil). Each participant remained seated and in silence for 10 minutes, and then three measurements of blood pressure and heart rate were taken, with a one-minute interval between each. The same procedure was repeated on a second day, resulting in a total of six systolic and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) measurements (in mmHg) and six heart rate measurements. The final values were determined by calculating the arithmetic mean of the measurements from both days, resulting in the final average.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in clinic mean blood pressure
Three blood pressure measurements were obtained using a portable automatic monitor (OMRON, model HEM-7200, Brazil). Each participant remained seated and in silence for 10 minutes, and then three measurements of blood pressure and heart rate were taken, with a one-minute interval between each. The same procedure was repeated on a second day, resulting in a total of six systolic and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) measurements (in mmHg) and six heart rate measurements. The final values were determined by calculating the arithmetic mean of the measurements from both days, resulting in the final average. Additionally, mean arterial pressure (MAP) was calculated using the standard equation: MAP = (Systolic Blood Pressure + 2 × Diastolic Blood Pressure) / 3(2).
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
change in fasting glucose
The fasting glucose will be determined by blood sample. Venous blood will be collected in vacuum tubes without anticoagulant following the recommendations for venous blood collection with 12 hours of fasting. These measurements will be performed using diagnostic kits according to the manufacturers instructions respecting the internal quality controls.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
change in total cholesterol
The total cholesterol will be determined by blood sample. Venous blood will be collected in vacuum tubes without anticoagulant following the recommendations for venous blood collection with 12 hours of fasting. These measurements will be performed using diagnostic kits according to the manufacturers instructions respecting the internal quality controls.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
change in HDL-cholesterol
The HDL-cholesterol will be determined by blood sample. Venous blood will be collected in vacuum tubes without anticoagulant following the recommendations for venous blood collection with 12 hours of fasting. The concentration of LDL-cholesterol is calculated using the Friedewald formula. These measurements will be performed using diagnostic kits according to the manufacturers instructions respecting the internal quality controls.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
change in triglycerides
The lipid profile triglycerides will be determined by blood sample. Venous blood will be collected in vacuum tubes without anticoagulant following the recommendations for venous blood collection with 12 hours of fasting. These measurements will be performed using diagnostic kits according to the manufacturers instructions respecting the internal quality controls.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
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