The Effects of Different Exergame Intensity Training on Walking Speed in Older Women.

Objective: It is not known if the intensity in which exergames are performed can change gait parameters at different walking speeds. This study was designed to determine if a training program based on exergame exercises performed at different intensities (moderate vs. vigorous) influences walking speed and gait parameters in older adult women. Methods: After applying the inclusion criteria, 20 participants (69.5 ± 5.4 years) were randomized into two groups: moderate (11-13 perceived exertion) and vigorous (14-16 perceived exertion). Walking speed and gait parameters at self-selected walking speed (SSWS) and maximal walking speed (MWS) were evaluated before and after 3 months of exergame training. The walking speed and gait parameters were measured with an instrumented walkway. The walking speed reserve (WSR) was calculated as a difference and ratio. Results: There was pre-to-post effect of walking speed at self-selected walking pace (pre = 112.1 ± 16.4 cm.s-1; post = 124.8 ± 16.4 cm.s-1), in WSR calculated as ratio (pre = 1.35 ± 0.08; post = 1.28 ± 0.09), in a number of gait parameters at SSWS (step length, stride length, stride velocity, step time, stride time, swing time, stance time, single support, double support, gait cycle time, and cadence) and at MWS (step time, stride time, swing time, single support, double support, gait cycle time, and cadence). Conclusion: Irrespective of the exercise intensity, exergame training improved walking speed only at a self-selected walking pace and some gait parameters at self-selected and MWS in older women.

Multicomponent Training Program with High-Speed Movement Execution of Ankle Muscles Reduces Risk of Falls in Older Adults.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of multicomponent training program, designed to improve the torque around the ankle joint performing high-speed movement execution, on healthy older adults. Participants were balanced by torque around the ankle joint and randomly allocated to either exercise (n = 12, 69.7 ± 4.8 years, 74.6 ± 16.8 kg, 1.63 ± 0.10 m) or control group (CG) (n = 14, 70.86 ± 6.48 years; 73.5 ± 13.4 kg, 1.56 ± 0.05 m). The exercise group (EG) performed a multicomponent training of resistance, agility, and coordination exercises, focusing on the plantar flexor muscles during 12 weeks (3 days per week). Outcome measures were torque (plantar flexion and extension), reactive capacity (Step test), and functional mobility (gait and timed up and go [TUG] test). The training program was induced to increase peak torque of extensor muscles around the ankle joint to EG (Δ = 50%; d = 1.59) compared to the CG. Such improvement was converted to reactive capacity improvements considering the decrease in the execution time of the Swing phase and in the Total time of the Step test (Δ = 19%; d = 0.93, Δ = 14%; d = 1.02, respectively). Gains in functional mobility were verified by the increase of the walking speed (Δ = 15%; d = 1.37) and by the smaller time of execution of TUG test (Δ = 17%; d = 1.73) in the EG. Therefore, the multicomponent training was effective to reduce or to reverse muscular age-related declines, which are associated with functional capacity and reduction of fall risk in older adults.