Author(s): YU, Y., Institution: TUNGHAI UNIVERSITY, Country: TAIWAN, Abstract-ID: 1310

INTRODUCTION:
Preventing disability and extending healthy life expectancy are critical in aging societies. Interval Walking Training (IWT) has been proven to effectively improve cardiorespiratory endurance and Senior Functional Fitness. This study utilized the HTN system to evaluate the efficacy of an 11-week monitored intervention on physiological composition and Senior Functional Fitness indicators among older adults.
METHODS:
Sixteen older adults (age: 70 ± 5.8 years) participated in the study. The HTN system was used to estimate maximal exercise capacity and prescribe personalized 3-minute interval walking cycles. Assessment indicators included physiological metrics (weight, BMI, WHR, blood pressure) and Senior Functional Fitness (30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test, Single-leg stance, 8-foot up-and-go test, Grip, and Stride Frequency). Data were analyzed using Paired-Samples t-tests (α = 0.05).
RESULTS:
Significant improvements occurred in multiple physiological indicators: body weight (t = -5.62,p<.001), BMI (t= -7.41, p<.001), and WHR(t= -2.40,p=.030). Regarding Senior Functional Fitness, only the 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test (reflecting lower muscle strength) showed significant improvement (t=-3.52,p=.003). Other metrics, including Single-leg stance (t=-1.28,p=.221), 8-foot up-and-go test(t=-1.28,p=.221), Grip(t=-1.40,p=.181), blood pressure, and Stride Frequency (t=0.206, p=.839) were not statistically significant.
CONCLUSION:
This study show that HTN system-assisted IWT enhances lower muscle strength and improves body composition in older adults. Significant reductions in Body weight, BMI, and WHR indicate that personalized IWT intensities effectively stimulate energy metabolism. Although some health indicators did not reach statistical significance after the 11-week intervention, the overall improvement in physiological markers has established a solid foundation for preventing disability in older adults. Future studies should incorporate diverse health indicators and extend intervention periods to examine the retention effect, establishing a comprehensive health promotion model.