Effects Of Undulating Vs. Linear Periodization On Body Composition In Untrained Older Adults

Abstract

The effects of undulating periodization (UP) on body composition and strength during a resistance training (RT) program have been investigated in both sedentary and trained individuals; however, research on the topic is limited in an elderly population. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an UP-RT program on body composition in older adults. 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 (n=9) program. After 3 weeks of familiarization, all participants performed three weekly RT bouts over an 8-week study period. Body composition was assessed via dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Statistical comparison (pre-test vs post-test) was performed with the paired t test or Wilcoxon (depending on the normality of the data), and a repeated measures ANOVA was employed to determine interactions(Time=pre-test vs test; Group=LT vs UP and Time x Group). Effect size (ES) was calculated with Hedges g; the normality and homogeneity of the data were checked with the Shapiro-Wilk and Levene tests, respectively. RESULTS: The results are reported in the order of LT and UP, respectively. No significant changes were found for the study variables: BM (Δ= -0.3±1.0 kg; P=0.374; ES=-0.05 and Δ= 0.6±1.0 kg; P=0.101; ES=0.06), FM (Δ= -0.6±1.3 kg ; P=0.212; ES=-0.24 and Δ= -0.7±2.3 kg; P=0.389; ES=-0.17) and FFM (Δ= 0.3±1.8 kg; P=0.679; ES=0.04 and Δ= 1.3±2.4 kg; P=0.145; ES=0.17). No statistical differences were found between training protocols. CONCLUSIONS: Although body composition variables did not change significantly over the study period, the slight improvements observed conceivably can contribute to the health of these older adults; this hypothesis is corroborated by parallel studies that we have carried out in this population. Given previous data showing exercise-induced FFM gains in the elderly, it can be speculated that lack of significant findings may be the result of suboptimal caloric and/or protein consumption.