Exercise programs for older men: mode and intensity to induce the highest possible health-related benefits.
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.
Delecluse
Christophe
C
Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium. christophe.delecluse@flok.kuleuven.ac.be
Colman
Véronique
V
Roelants
Machteld
M
Verschueren
Sabine
S
Derave
Wim
W
Ceux
Tanja
T
Eijnde
Bert O
BO
Seghers
Jan
J
Pardaens
Karel
K
Brumagne
Simon
S
Goris
Marina
M
Buekers
Martinus
M
Spaepen
Arthur
A
Swinnen
Stephan
S
Stijnen
Valère
V
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