Abstract
PurposeSecondary analyses were performed to test whether combined aerobic and resistance training altered walking economy (i.e., net oxygen uptake) and/or stretch-shortening cycle potentiation (SSCP). A further objective was to determine if walking economy and SSCP were related before or after training.MethodsNinety-two postmenopausal women were enrolled wherein 76 completed 16 weeks of supervised aerobic and resistance training. Participants were randomized to one of three training groups based on frequencies: (a) 1 d⋅wk–1 (n = 23); (b) 2 d⋅wk–1 (n = 30) or; (c) 3 d⋅wk–1 (n = 23). Following assessments were performed at baseline and post-training. Indirect calorimetry was used to measure maximal oxygen uptake () and walking economy (submaximal – resting = net ) during a graded exercise test and steady-state treadmill task, respectively. SSCP was determined by measuring the difference between a concentric (CO) and counter-movement (CM) leg press throw.Results, walking economy, CO and CM velocity were significantly improved (p < 0.05) for all training groups, however; no time by group interactions were observed. Paired t-tests revealed participants exercise training 2 d⋅wk–1 exhibited a significant time effect for SSCP (+0.04 ± 0.09 ms–1; p = 0.03). At baseline, multiple linear regression showed a negative relationship between walking net and SSCP (r = −0.22; p < 0.04) adjusted for relative proportion of . No such relationship was found post-training.ConclusionAmong older postmenopausal women, our results indicate that irrespective of frequency of training, 16 weeks of combined aerobic and resistance exercise training increased ease of walking and economy. Additionally, only participants exercising 2 d⋅wk–1 exhibited significant improvement in SSCP.
Highlights
Obesity remains a major public health concern in the United States (World Health Organization, 2016)
Our results indicate that irrespective of frequency of training, 16 weeks of combined aerobic and resistance exercise training increased ease of walking and economy
Baseline measures of Stretch-shortening cycle potentiation (SSCP) were associated with walking economy independent of relative exercise intensity, these results did not persist post-training
Summary
Obesity remains a major public health concern in the United States (World Health Organization, 2016). We have shown that improved ease of walking (i.e., ↓heart rate for a given workload) increases spontaneous engagement in PA among older adults (Hunter et al, 2004a,b, 2005; Hartman et al, 2007), whereas improved walking economy, inverse of net walking V O2 facilitates overall locomotion (Larew et al, 2003; Hunter et al, 2004a,b). It is reasonable that walking/running economy may be a construct in athletic performance, and a significant factor linked to non-exercise training activity thermogenesis (NEAT) - a key feature known to mitigate weight gain in older adults (Hunter et al, 2001, 2004b, 2013; Weinsier et al, 2002; Hunter and Byrne, 2005). A clearer understanding of factors that govern walking economy could be used to inform efficient exercise strategies to facilitate greater PA adherence among individuals that are overweight/obese
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.
