Author(s): OVIEDO, G.R., SIMÓN-SILES, S.2, FONT-FARRÉ, M.2, GUERRA-BALIC, M.2, VILARÓ-CASAMITJANA, J.3, JAVIERRE, C.4, Institution: INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF CATALUNYA FACULTY OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCES, Country: SPAIN, Abstract-ID: 2534

INTRODUCTION:
The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in older adults with intellectual disability (ID) is high, and this population often experiences deteriorated physical condition compared to those without ID. Therefore, the implementation of exercise programs to improve the cardiovascular health and physical fitness is of fundamental importance.
Objectivs: This study aimed to compare the results of two exercise programs (continuous aerobic training (CAT) and sprint interval taining (SIT)) on carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and aerobic capacity in older adults with ID.
METHODS:
Fifty-six older adults (49.5±7.71 Y.O.) with mild-moderate ID of both sexes were recruited and randomly allocated to the CAT (n=16), SIT (n=20) and control (CG; n=20) groups. The intervention groups performed a multicomponent exercise program of 72 sessions (3 sessions per week) of 90 each. Different anthropometric variables (height, weight, body mass index, fat mass) were analyzed by bioimpedance; oxygen consumption (VO2) and peak power (watts) through a direct stress test on a cycle ergometer; systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP); and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) was obtained using specific software and ultrasound measurements (Cardiovascular Suite, Quipu).
Descriptive data were obtained for all variables. A one-way ANOVA was used to compare the groups baseline characteristics, and a repeated-measures ANOVA was used to assess the interventions effect (α=0.05)
RESULTS:
Fat mass was reduced in the CAT (22.7±9.6 vs 21.3±8.7 kg; p=0.010) and SIT (21.8±9.8 vs 20.7±9.7 kg; p=0.047) groups after the intervention.
There were improvements in the VO2 ml/kg/min in the CAT (19.4±4.8 vs 23.28±7.0 ml/kg/min; p<0.001) and SIT (19.2±3.4 vs 25.8±4.5 ml/kg/min; p<0.001). At the end of the intervention, there were significant differences between the two groups and the CG (pre=17.2±4.8 ml/kg/min; post=16.9±3.9 ml/kg/min) (CAT, p=0.001; SIT, p<0.001).
The peak power reached in the stress test increased significantly in both active groups (CAT=117.5±23 vs 135.8±36.3 watts, p=0.002; SIT=112.5±40.2 vs 149±40.1 watts; p<0.001). The peak power achieved by both active groups at the end of the intervention was significantly higher than the results obtained by the CG (CAT, p=0.009; SIT, p<0.001).
The CAT group significantly improved the SBP after the intervention (122.8±15.6 vs 115.7 mmHg; p=0.009). Post-intervention differences in the SBP were observed between the SIT and CG groups (125.2±17.6 vs 129.27 mmHg; p=0.013).
Distensibility of the carotid artery in both active groups improved (p<0.05) . Significant differences were observed in cIMT pre/post values for the SIT group (p=0.046)
CONCLUSION:
The results showed that the different programs (SIT and CAT) promote better health and physical fitness in older adults with ID. The results obtained are very favorable since both intervention groups improve anthropometric, vascular and aerobic measures.