Adaptations in mechanical muscle function, muscle morphology, and aerobic power to high-intensity endurance training combined with either traditional or power strength training in older adults: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: There is a lack of information on the effects of power training (PT) as an alternative to traditional strength training (TST) during concurrent training (CT) in older individuals. This study aimed to verify the neuromuscular adaptations that occurred following 16-week interventions with two CT models in older men: high-intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with either TST or PT. METHODS: Thirty-five older men (65.8 ± 3.9 years) were randomly assigned into one of two training groups CTS: TST + HIIT (n = 18) or CTP: PT + HIIT (n = 17). CTS performed resistance training at intensities ranging from 65 to 80% of 1 RM at slow controlled speed, whereas CTP trained at intensities ranging from 40 to 60% of 1 RM at maximal intentional speed. Lower body one-repetition maximum (1 RM), isometric rate of force development (RFD), countermovement jump (CMJ) muscle power output, quadriceps femoris muscles thickness (QF MT), and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) were assessed before training and after 8 and 16 weeks of CT. RESULTS: Groups improved similarly in all primary outcomes (P < 0.05), with mean increases ranging: 1 RM (from 39.4 to 75.8%); RFD (from 9.9 to 64.8%); and CMJ muscle power (from 1.8 to 5.2%). Significant increases (P < 0.05) were observed in all secondary outcomes (QF MT, specific tension and VO2peak) with no differences between groups. CONCLUSION: CT models were effective for improving maximal and explosive force (1 RM, RFD, and CMJ power), QF MT, and VO2peak. Moreover, despite that using lower loading intensities, PT induced similar adaptations to those of TST.

Effects of high-intensity interval training combined with traditional strength or power training on functionality and physical fitness in healthy older men: A randomized controlled trial.

Concurrent training (CT) is an efficient strategy to improve neuromuscular function and cardiorespiratory fitness in older adults, which are factors of pivotal importance for the maintenance of functional capacity with aging. However, there is a lack of evidence about the effectiveness of power training (PT) as an alternative to traditional strength training (TST) during CT. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine the effect of 16 weeks (twice weekly) TST combined with high intensity interval training (TST + HIIT) vs. PT combined with HIIT (PT + HIIT) on functional performance, cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition in older men. Thirty five older men (65.8 ± 3.9 years) were randomly allocated into two training groups: TST + HIIT (n = 18), and PT + HIIT (n = 17). TST + HIIT performed resistance training at intensities ranging from 65% to 80% 1RM at slow controlled speed (≅ 2 s for each concentric phase), whereas PT + HIIT trained at intensities ranging from 40% to 60% of 1RM at maximal intentional speed. Both groups performed HIIT at intensities ranging from 75 to 90% of VO2peak. Participants performed functional tests (sit-to-stand, timed-up-and-go, stair climbing); cardiopulmonary exercise testing (maximal cycling power output: Wmax, peak oxygen uptake: VO2peak, cycling economy), as well as body composition assessment (DXA) before, post 8 and post 16 weeks of training. The groups improved similarly (P < 0.05) with training in all functional capacity outcomes, Wmax, cycling economy, VO2peak and body composition (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that HIIT based CT programs involving TST vs. PT are equally effective in improving functionality, cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition in healthy older men.