Effects Of A Non-linear Resistance Training Program On Biochemical And Physiological Health Parameters In Elderly

Abstract

Resistance training (RT) has been shown to have positive effects on older adults’ health by increasing muscle mass and improving metabolic profile. Nonetheless, the potential benefits of a non-linear RT program on biochemical and physiological health parameters in older individuals are less known. PURPOSE: This study assessed the effects of an undulating-periodized (UP) RT program on glucose, cholesterol (total, HDL-c and LDL) and triacylglycerol (TG) concentrations in blood, and arterial blood pressure (BP). METHODS: Seventeen (n=9 men; n=8 women) untrained elderly individuals (64.2±2.0 years, 72.2±10.8 kg; 164.8±7.6 cm; 25.6±2.6 kg·m-2) with no previous RT experience were randomly assigned to either a linear training (n=8, LT) or UP-RT (n=9) program. After 3 weeks of familiarization, all participants performed three RT weekly bouts for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected pre- and post-study after a 12-hour overnight fast, and biochemical analyses were carried out. Systolic and diastolic BP were measured using a digital sphygmomanometer. Statistical comparison was performed with the paired t test or Wilcoxon, and a repeated measures ANOVA was employed to determine interactions (Time=pre-test vs test; Group=LT vs UT and Time x Group). Effect size (ES) was calculated with Hedges g. RESULTS: Statistical analysis (Δ=X ±SD; P; ES) showed differences on basal glycemia for LT (-11.1±8.1 mg·dL-1; 0,006; -1.61) and UP (-5.7±4.2 mg·dL-1; 0.004; -0.65). There were changes in LDL (LT=-15.1±9.5 mg·dL-1; -1.18; 0.003, UP=-9.4±4.4 mg·dL-1; -0.33;<0.0002), total cholesterol (LT=-21.1±14.6 mg·dL-1; -1,19; 0,005, UT=-10.2±6.2 mg·dL-1; -0.28; 0.001) and TG (LT= -18.3±16.0 mg·dL-1; -0.56; 0.014, UP=-6.7±3.9 mg·dL-1; -0.24; 0.001) in both groups, but HDL-c remained statistically unchanged (LT= -2.6±6.3 mg·dL-1; -0.38; 0.277, UP=3.0±6.8 mg·dL-1; 0.27±0.223). There were no changes on either SBP or DBP in LT (-3.4±8.5 mmHg; -0.25; 0.289, and -3.2±5.7 mmHg; -0.48; 0.079, respectively) but there were in UP (-4.5±4.4 mmHg; -0.56; 0.015, and -4.0±4.3 mmHg; -0.83; 0.023, respectively). No significant between-group differences were found for any variable. CONCLUSIONS: A supervised RT program with either linear or UP provides improvements in cardiometabolic markers in older adults and, therefore, health enhancement.