Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the influence of different exercise training modalities [(i) a concurrent training based on physical activity recommendation from the World Health Organization group (PAR group), (ii) a high intensity interval training group (HIIT group), and (iii) a high intensity interval training adding whole-body electromyostimulation group (WB-EMS group)] on physical fitness in sedentary middle-aged adults. A total of 89 (52.7% women) middle-aged sedentary adults (53.7 ± 5.1 years old) were enrolled in the FIT-AGING study. Cardiorespiratory fitness was determined by a maximum treadmill test using indirect calorimetry. Lower, upper, and core body muscular strength were assessed by an isokinetic strength test, by the handgrip strength test, and by several core strength endurance tests, respectively. All the exercise types induced similar increases on cardiorespiratory fitness (Δ VO2max ≥ 11%, Δ maximal heart rate ≥ 8%, and Δ total test duration ≥ 14%; all P ≤ 0.034), as well as on muscular strength (Δ extension and flexion peak torque ≥ 10%, Δ total hand grip ≥ 3%, Δ core strength endurance tests ≥ 20%; all P ≤ 0.050) compared with a control group. In conclusion, our results suggest that a 12-week structured exercise intervention improves physical fitness regardless of the training program in sedentary middle-aged adults. Despite slightly greater improvements in some physical fitness variables, the changes observed in the WB-EMS group were not superior to the other exercise programs.
Highlights
Cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) and muscular strength have been positioned as two independent powerful health markers (Amaro Gahete et al, 2017a)
VO2max in relative terms increased in the PAR group as well as in the HIIT group and in the WB-EMS group ( VO2max = 11%; P = 0.026, VO2max = 11%; P = 0.024, and VO2max = 14%; P < 0.001, respectively)
Total test duration increased in the PAR group as well as in the HIIT group and in the WB-EMS group ( Total test duration = 21%; P = 0.040, Total test duration = 23%; P = 0.003, and Total test duration = 14%; P = 0.006)
Summary
Cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) and muscular strength have been positioned as two independent powerful health markers (Amaro Gahete et al, 2017a). Several studies have shown that physical exercise is an effective strategy to fight against the high prevalence of chronic diseases (Pedersen and Saltin, 2015), improving physical fitness, and, increasing quality of life (Fitzgerald et al, 2004; Lee et al, 2010; Volaklis et al, 2015; Harber et al, 2017; Fletcher et al, 2018; García-Hermoso et al, 2018; Ozemek et al, 2018) It is well-known that the application of different training modalities produces important, but not similar health-related physiological adaptations (Huang et al, 2005; Liu and Latham, 2009). Alternative and less time-consuming training methodologies that allow us to maximize the potential benefits induced by exercise have recently emerged
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
