title: How much will older adults exercise? A feasibility study of aerobic training combined with resistance training.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Both aerobic training (AT) and resistance training (RT) have multidimensional health benefits for older adults including increased life expectancy and decreased risk of chronic diseases. However, the volume (i.e., frequency*time) of AT combined with RT in which untrained older adults can feasibly and safely participate remains unclear. Thus, our primary objective was to investigate the feasibility and safety of a high-volume exercise program consisting of twice weekly AT combined with twice weekly RT (i.e., four times weekly exercise) on a group of untrained older adults. In addition, we investigated the effects of the program on physical function, aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and explored factors related to participant adherence.
  
  
  METHODS
  We recruited eight inactive older adults (65+ years) to participate in a 6-week, single-group pre-post exercise intervention, consisting of 2 days/week of AT plus 2 days/week of progressive RT for 6 weeks. We recorded program attendance and monitored for adverse events during the course of the program. Participants were tested at both baseline and follow-up on the following: (1) physical function (i.e., timed-up-and-go test (TUG) and short physical performance battery (SPPB)), (2) aerobic capacity (VO2max) using the modified Bruce protocol; and (3) muscular strength on the leg press and lat pull-down. Post intervention, we performed qualitative semi-structured interviews of all participants regarding their experiences in the exercise program. We used these responses to examine themes that may affect continued program adherence to a high-volume exercise program.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We recorded an average attendance rate of 83.3% with the lowest attendance for one session being five out of eight participants; no significant adverse events occurred. Significant improvements were observed for SPPB score (1.6; 95% CI: [0.3, 2.9]), VO2max (8.8 ml/kg/min; 95% CI: [2.8, 14.8]), and lat pull-down strength (11.8 lbs; 95% CI: [3.3, 20.2]). Qualitative results revealed two themes that promote older adults' adherence: (1) convenience of the program and (2) the social benefits of exercise.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings suggest untrained older adults can be successful at completing twice weekly AT combined with twice weekly progressive RT; however, these exercise programs should be group-based in order to maintain high adherence.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, Aging, Mobility and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Robert H.N. Ho Research Centre, 5th Floor, 2635 Laurel St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9 Canada.|Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Aging, Mobility and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, 212-2177 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada.
authors.forename: Ryan S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Falck
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, Aging, Mobility and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Robert H.N. Ho Research Centre, 5th Floor, 2635 Laurel St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9 Canada.|Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Aging, Mobility and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, 212-2177 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada.
authors.forename: Jennifer C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, 6081 University Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1 Canada.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Milosevic
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, Aging, Mobility and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Robert H.N. Ho Research Centre, 5th Floor, 2635 Laurel St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9 Canada.|Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Aging, Mobility and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, 212-2177 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada.
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Liu-Ambrose
keywords: Aerobic training; Exercise; Feasibility study; Older adults; Resistance training