Author(s): HENRIQUES-NETO, D., CARVALHO, R., MOREIRA, A., TAVARES, D., SANTOS, V., COSTA, E., CAMPOS, J., BARRETO DE LIMA, A., INÁCIO, M., Institution: UNIVERSIDADE DA MAIA, Country: PORTUGAL, Abstract-ID: 2521

INTRODUCTION:
Ageing is associated with neuromuscular and functional deficits that impair functional mobility and increase fall risk. Exercise is the main non-pharmacological strategy that can attenuate these age-related declines. Multicomponent and power training have been shown to effectively improve functional fitness. Nonetheless, evidence remains inconsistent regarding how community-dwelling older adults respond to training and detraining of these exercise modalities. Hence, this study aimed to analyse the effects of 10 weeks of multicomponent and power training, and a 2-week detraining period, on physical fitness and functional mobility in older adults.
METHODS:
Community-dwelling older adults were allocated to multicomponent (MTG) or power training (PTG) groups. Both interventions lasted 10 weeks (3 sessions/week), followed by 2 weeks of detraining. Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-intervention and after detraining. Functional mobility, neuromuscular performance and anthropometry were evaluated. Linear mixed-effects models were used for statistical analysis (p<0.05).
RESULTS:
Thirty-three participants (78.8% women; 79.35±1.41 years) were analysed (MTG:n=15; PTG:n=18), with no baseline differences. No significant training-induced changes were observed in peak isometric strength of the hip abductors (HAbd), knee extensors and handgrip. Physical fitness and functional mobility improved, with increased gait speed (0.62±1.81 – 0.75±2.94 m/s, baseline and post-intervention respectively, p<0.05) and reduced 5xSit-to-Stand time (baseline:15.83±5.43 – post-intervention:11.51±3.73 s, p<0.05), which remained significant after detraining (p≤0.01). In contrast, while timed Up-and-Go (TUG) (14.88±6.38–10.66±3.31 s, baseline and post-intervention respectively, p<0.05) and 30s Sit-to-Stand (11.77±5.91 – 14.94±7.34 reps, p<0.05) improved after training, these improvements were not maintained after detraining. In PTG, waist circumference (baseline:106.22±10.7 – post-intervention:100.71±8.97 cm) and waist-to-hip ratio (1.01±0.07 – 0.92±0.05, baseline and post-intervention, respectively) significantly decreased post-intervention but returned to baseline after detraining. MTG showed consistent functional improvements with partial retention. PTG demonstrated superior HAbd strength (6.82±3.75 – 9.64 ±4.56 Kg), smaller hip circumference after detraining (108.50±13.47 – 103.36±11.86 cm) and better TUG performance (11.72±4.54 – 9.11±3.72 s, baseline and post-interventio,n respectively, p<0.05).
CONCLUSION:
Both training modalities improved functional fitness, with gait speed showing the greatest consistency over time. Multicomponent training produced immediate functional gains, whereas power training provided additional benefits in body composition and functional mobility, even after detraining. These findings further elucidate the benefits of different exercise modalities, as well as the implications of detraining periods among community-dwelling older adults.