ECSS Paris 2023: OP-AP20
INTRODUCTION: Resistance training is widely recommended to enhance physical function (PF) in older adults (1). High-velocity resistance training receives particular attention due to the strong link between muscular power and functional movement (2). High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has also shown promise for improving power-related adaptations in older populations (3). As a time-efficient and generally well-tolerated training modality, HIIT offers a viable exercise option for older adults (4). However, its efficacy in enhancing PF among this population remains unclear. Furthermore, the effectiveness of HIIT under free-living conditions as part of broader public health strategies has not been adequately investigated (5). Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the impact of a 6-month home-based HIIT program on PF in healthy older adults. METHODS: Healthy older adults (n=233, aged 60-84, 54% female) from Norway and the UK were randomly assigned to either a HIIT group (mean age±SD: 67.6±5.9yr) or a non-exercising control group (mean age±SD: 67.0±5.2yr). The exercising group participated in a 6-month, thrice weekly HIIT intervention (2 interval and 1 circuit sessions per week). PF measures at pre- and post-intervention included Grip strength, 30-sec-chair-stand, Chair-sit-and-reach, Back scratch, Timed-up-and-go, and One-leg standing. Additionally, PF was calculated as a composite Z-score (PF Z-score) based on all aforementioned tests. General Linear Models were used to assess between-group differences in post-intervention scores for each standardized test and the PF Z-score, with pre-intervention scores, age, sex, and country of residence as covariates, and group as a fixed factor. Effect sizes (ES) were calculated using mean differences (pre-post), pooled standard deviations, and sample sizes for the exercise and control groups. Alpha level of 5% was chosen for statistical significance, with 95% CI presented. RESULTS: Significant between-group differences at post-intervention were observed for PF Z-score (β=0.24, [0.17;0.30] (ES:0.97), Grip-strength (β=1.8 [0.8;2.8] kg (ES:0.48), 30-sec-chair-stand (β=1.3 [0.7; 1.8] repetitions (ES: 0.63), Back scratch (β=2.1 [0.8;3.5] cm (ES:0.43), and Timed-up-and-go (β=−0.3 [−0.4;−0.2] seconds (ES:0.71). No significant between-group differences post-intervention were observed for Chair-sit-and-reach and One-leg standing tests. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that healthy older adults can enhance their PF through a 6-month home-based HIIT intervention. However, no significant effects were observed in joint flexibility of the lower extremities or static balance ability. Nonetheless, these findings reinforce the potential of HIIT as a valuable component in public health strategies for promoting physical function in healthy older adults. REFERENCES: 1. Fragala et al., J Strength Cond Res, 2019 2. Schaun et al., Exp Gerontol, 2021 3. Herrod et al., GeroScience, 2021 4. Marriott et al., Sports Medicine Open, 2021 5. Gray et al., BJSM, 2016
Read CV Hilde Lohne SeilerECSS Paris 2023: OP-AP20
INTRODUCTION: The Vivifrail D-Level exercise program is a multicomponent training approach designed to maintain functional capacity and prevent frailty in older adults. However, previous evidence suggests that standard Vivifrail protocols may be insufficiently challenging for healthier older adults (D-level), thus potentially limiting training adaptations [1,2]. This study investigated the effects of an Vivifrail D-level exercise regimen on functional fitness, peripheral arterial stiffness, and body composition in healthy older adults. METHODS: Forty-one participants aged ≥ 65 years (including 55–64 years for Indigenous people) classified as D-level via the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) were divided into an Advanced Health Group (AHG, n = 22) and a General Health Group (GHG, n = 19), based on sit-to-stand performance. Both groups underwent an enhanced 12-week Vivifrail D-level exercise program (1 supervised session/week plus 4 self-administered sessions/week). Outcome measures included brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), ankle-brachial index (ABI), handgrip strength, biceps curl (30 s), 30 s sit-to-stand, 4 m walk, 2 min step test, and DXA-assessed body composition at baseline and post-intervention. RESULTS: Following the 12-week intervention, the GHG showed significant improvements in biceps curl (p = .002), 30 s sit-to-stand (p < .001), 4 m walk speed (p = .012), and 2 min step test (p = .040), as well as left-side ABI (p = .015). In contrast, the AHG exhibited only a modest improvement in biceps curl (p = .031), with no significant changes in other variables. CONCLUSION: This study’s findings indicate that an advanced Vivifrail D-level exercise program effectively enhances functional fitness and peripheral vascular health in older adults with lower baseline performance. The General Health Group showed significant gains in muscular endurance, walking capacity, and improved ankle-brachial index, aligning with previous multicomponent exercise research [1] (Courel-Ibáñez et al., 2022). In contrast, the Advanced Health Group’s limited adaptation suggests a “ceiling effect,” pointing to the need for higher-intensity or more personalized protocols [3]. Recent studies further underscore the value of progressive, individualized training for older adults of varying fitness levels [4,]. Future interventions should incorporate greater overload and modality variety, particularly for those with higher initial capacity, to maximize neuromuscular and cardiovascular benefits in older populations. References 1. Courel-Ibáñez J, et al. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2022 2. Izquierdo M. Nutr Hosp. 2019 3. Delmonico MJ, et al. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2007 4. Taylor J, et al. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2021 5. Yang X, et al. Exp Gerontol. 2024
Read CV SzuKai FuECSS Paris 2023: OP-AP20
INTRODUCTION: Flywheel (FW) devices are becoming an increasingly popular tool for improving muscle power, strength and functional abilities, particularly in older adults. Despite the proven benefits of eccentric training on these devices, it remains unclear how quickly individuals adapt to the specific demands of the exercise. Notably, our study is the first to investigate the familiarization process of performing squats on FW device in older adults. We hypothesized that the group completing the 5-weeks familiarization protocol would demonstrate significantly greater squat velocity and force during the eccentric phase compared to the group that did not undergo the familiarization protocol. METHODS: Thirty-nine participants were randomly assigned to two groups. Group S1 performed a squat assessment on a flywheel (FW) machine during weeks 1 and 2, followed by a 2-week familiarization protocol focused on performing the squat movement with controlled concentric and eccentric phases, with an emphasis on tempo. Group S2 performed assessments only during weeks 1 and 2. Both groups underwent a follow-up assessment during week 5 to assess changes in squat performance. Measurements included 2 initial squat repetitions followed by 6 maximal intensity work repetitions and 2 final squat repetitions designed for safe stopping. RESULTS: The results showed increased F, v P mechanical outputs over visits 1, 2, and 3. The F, v, P variables increased significantly more for the F group between visits 2 and 3. Moreover, CV decreased from visits 1-2 to 2-3 where F groups showed significantly decreased within-set, between-sets and between-visits variability in comparison to control groups (CV: 15% vs. 10%). CONCLUSION: Individuals familiar with the FW device are likely to achieve superior performance outcomes compared to those without prior familiarization. The familiarization process enhances technical execution, increases eccentric overload, and improves movement velocity, ultimately optimizing training adaptations. These findings underscore the importance of structured familiarization when implementing FW-based resistance training in older adults to maximize safety, efficiency, and effectiveness. Future research should investigate the long-term impact of familiarization on neuromuscular adaptations and functional performance, as well as its potential applications in rehabilitation and fall prevention strategies for aging populations.
Read CV Marusa STERMECKI PUKLECSS Paris 2023: OP-AP20