Effects of Fitness and Vibration Training on Muscle Quality: A 1-Year Postintervention Follow-Up in Older Men

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the residual effects of fitness and whole-body vibration (WBV) training in older men 1 year after completion of the interventions. DesignA 1-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of 1 year of fitness training, including combined resistance and aerobic (R+A) training and WBV training, with a control (CON) group. SettingUniversity training center. ParticipantsAdult men (N=72) between 60 and 80 years of age. Response rate was 80%, 92%, and 90% in the R+A training (n=20), WBV training (n=23), and CON (n=29) groups, respectively. InterventionsThe intervention groups exercised 3 times weekly during 1 year. The R+A training group performed a standard training program, combining resistance exercises and aerobic training, following the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines. The WBV training group performed unloaded static and dynamic leg exercises on a vibration platform. The CON group did not participate in any training program. Main Outcome MeasuresMuscle volume, isometric and concentric muscle strength, muscle quality, and muscle power. ResultsBoth interventions had resulted in comparable increases in muscle quality characteristics. No significant changes had been found in the CON group. During the 1-year follow-up period, the R+A (−4.05%, P=.006) and WBV (−2.45%, P<.0001) training groups had lost most of their gains in muscle volume. However, isometric muscle strength was preserved in the R+A training group (+1.65%, P=.745), resulting in an increase in muscle quality (+7.97%, P=.034). In the WBV training group, muscle power decreased (−6.10%, P<.0001) but remained significantly higher than at baseline (P=.038). Except for a strong decrease in muscle power, no significant changes were found in the CON group. ConclusionsOne year of R+A and/or WBV training can equally reverse the adverse effects of aging on muscle quality in older men, but their residual impact after follow-up is different.