title: Exercise programs for older men: mode and intensity to induce the highest possible health-related benefits.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although health-related benefits of fitness training in older men are well established, it is not clear yet which mode and intensity of a exercise program is most effective. This study addresses whether the combination of endurance (ED) and resistance training in older men have supplementary health-related benefits in addition to profits attained through endurance training alone. Additionally, effects of moderate- and low-intensity resistance training are compared.
  
  
  METHODS
  Men, 55-75 years of age, were randomly assigned to a control group (N = 13) or one of three exercise groups (20 weeks, two to three times per week): endurance plus moderate resistance (MR) training (N = 22), endurance plus low resistance (LR) training (N = 22) and endurance training only (N = 22). Cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, muscular fitness and postural control were assessed before and after training.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All exercise groups revealed significant (P < 0.05) improvements in resting heart rate, work capacity and recovery, waist girth, insulin response and knee-extensor strength with no differences among groups. Body composition, resting metabolic rate (RMR), VO2peak and postural control did not change in exercise groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In older men, a fitness program consisting of 20 weeks endurance training combined with resistance training is equally effective as endurance training alone. Moderate vs. low resistance training added to endurance training yields similar health-related benefits.
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium. christophe.delecluse@flok.kuleuven.ac.be
authors.forename: Christophe
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Delecluse
authors.forename: Véronique
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Colman
authors.forename: Machteld
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Roelants
authors.forename: Sabine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Verschueren
authors.forename: Wim
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Derave
authors.forename: Tanja
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ceux
authors.forename: Bert O
authors.initials: BO
authors.lastname: Eijnde
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Seghers
authors.forename: Karel
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pardaens
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Brumagne
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Goris
authors.forename: Martinus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Buekers
authors.forename: Arthur
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Spaepen
authors.forename: Stephan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Swinnen
authors.forename: Valère
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Stijnen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D012307:Risk Factors