Effects of combined muscle power and endurance training with different volumes on functional and hemodynamic parameters in previously trained older adults.

BACKGROUND: To promote optimal neuromuscular and cardiovascular gains in older adults, it seems crucial to investigate the effects of different combined training volumes in this population. Thus, the present study aimed to compare the effects of combined muscle power training (MPT) and endurance training (ET) with different volumes on functional and hemodynamic parameters in previously trained older adults. METHODS: Twenty-five older adults were randomly assigned to either the lower-volume group (LVG; n = 13) or the higher-volume group (HVG; n = 12). In the LVG, participants performed 1 set of 6 repetitions for each exercise, followed by 10 min of walking exercise. In the HVG, participants performed 2 sets of 6 repetitions for each exercise, followed by 20 min of walking exercise. Lift from the ventral decubitus position (LPDV), timed up-and-go (TUG), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were assessed before and after 8 weeks. RESULTS: Significant increases in LPDV test occurred in both groups after 8 weeks (p < 0.05). Additionally, significant improvements in TUG performance occurred in both groups from week 0 to week 8 (p < 0.05). However, no significant changes were observed between groups in functional parameters (p > 0.05). SBP and DBP remain unchanged (p > 0.05) in both groups over the experimental period. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that lower-volume and higher-volume of combined MPT and ET promoted improvements in functional parameters. This study has an important practical application, as it indicates that regardless of the volume (lower or higher), comparable improvements are observed in functional parameters in previously trained older adults.

Acute effects of aerobic exercise on the blood pressure of patients after coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery bypass grafting a frequent surgical procedure to treat coronary heart disease, uses the patient's own veins or arteries to bypass narrowed areas and restore blood flow to heart muscle. Cardiac rehabilitation follows this procedure and includes psychological and nutritional support along with the regular practice of physical exercises. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of the aerobic exercise on the blood pressure of patients after coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: After 30 days of surgical procedure, 14 patients were assigned to the aerobic exercise group (exercise on the cycle ergometer for 35 minutes), while 8 patients were assigned to the control group (absolute rest for 35 minutes). Blood pressure was measured by a digital automatic device before and after 24 hours of the experiment in both groups. RESULTS: Systolic (P = 0.639) and diastolic (P = 0.103) blood pressures were similar between CG and AEG at baseline. Regarding intragroup differences, no significant changes were observed after 24 hours for SBP in the CG (P = 0.999) and AEG (P = 0.244). On the other hand, significant changes were found for DBP after 24 hours for the CG (P = 0.007) and AEG (P = 0.015). When CG and AEG were compared after 24 hours, no significant differences were found for SBP (P = 0.999) and DBP (P = 0.054). CONCLUSIONS: We found decreased diastolic blood pressure in the aerobic exercise group when the results for pre-training and post-training were compared. However, to support our findings further research is needed, preferably using randomized controlled trials.