Nine weeks of combined training improve functional and morphological outcomes in trained older people with cardiometabolic risk factors.

BACKGROUND: The study is characterized as a single group experiment, with the aim of verifying the responses of functional capacity and body composition, after a combined training program with undulating periodization, of low cost and easy applicability, in volunteers with cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: Experimental study carried out with individuals of both sexes, with cardiometabolic risk factors, members of a Cardiorespiratory Rehabilitation Program (PROCOR) of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC). A combined physical training program (aerobic and strength) with load training progression was used, performed at a frequency of three weekly sessions, on alternate days, for nine weeks and using shin guards, elastic bands or just body weight. Functional capacity, anthropometric profile and body composition of individuals were evaluated before and after the intervention. The comparison of data before and after the intervention period was performed using the Student's t-test for paired samples and the Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: Improvements statistically significant were observed in the tests related to functional capacity, "Sit and Stand", "8-foot-up-and-go" at usual and maximum speeds and "March", along with a decrease in anthropometric measurements of hip circumference, body fat percentage, waist-to-hip ratio, and fat mass in the android region. In addition, the program was well-tolerated with a low rate of sample losses. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that only 9 weeks of combined training at low cost and easy applicability is able to promote improvement in parameters related to functional capacity, anthropometric profile, and body composition of trained older people with cardiovascular risk factors.

Blood Pressure and Blood Glucose Responses to Combined Exercise Sessions of Different Intensities in Individuals with Cardiovascular Risk Factors.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to verify the acute effects of blood pressure and blood glucose after two sessions of combined exercise sessions performed at two levels of intensity in trained individuals with cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: Eighteen individuals (66.22 ± 8.61 years) of both sexes (6 women/12 men) with cardiovascular risk factors performed two sessions of combined exercises at different levels of intensity: moderate (MOD) and high (HI). To control the intensity of the aerobic training, the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale was used. For the strength training, the maximum number of repetitions was carried out within a predetermined duration of sets. Blood pressure and blood glucose measurements were collected before and 20 minutes after the sessions. The data were analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations, α 5%. RESULTS: Reductions were observed in systolic blood pressure (MOD - Δ = -4.95 mmHg; HI - Δ = -3.31 mmHg) and blood glucose (MOD - Δ = -16.06 mg/dL; HI - Δ = -29.45 mg/dL) after the two sessions, with no difference between sessions. Diastolic blood pressure did not change (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Combined exercises sessions of moderate or high intensity can promote an acute reduction in systolic blood pressure and glycemia in individuals with cardiovascular risk factors.