Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial effects of exercise training (ET) with omega-3/Calanus oil supplementation on cardiorespiratory and adiposity parameters in elderly women. Fifty-five women (BMI: 19–37 kg/m2, 62–80 years old) were recruited and randomly assigned to the 4 month intervention with ET and omega-3 supplementation (Calanus oil, ET-Calanus) or ET and the placebo (sunflower oil; ET-Placebo). The body composition was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and cardiorespiratory parameters were measured using spiroergometry and PhysioFlow hemodynamic testing. Both interventions resulted in an increased lean mass whereas the fat mass was reduced in the leg and trunk as well as the android and gynoid regions. The content of trunk fat (in percent of the total fat) was lower and the content of the leg fat was higher in the ET-Calanus group compared with the ET-Placebo. Although both interventions resulted in similar improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), it was explained by an increased peripheral oxygen extraction (a-vO2diff) alone in the ET-Placebo group whereas increased values of both a-vO2diff and maximal cardiac output (COmax) were observed in the ET-Calanus group. Changes in COmax were associated with changes in systemic vascular resistance, circulating free fatty acids, and the omega-3 index. In conclusion, Calanus oil supplementation during a 4 month ET intervention in elderly women improved the cardiorespiratory function, which was due to combined central and peripheral cardiodynamic mechanisms.
Highlights
Aging is characterized by a gradual decline in physiological functions
Cardiovascular fitness is a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) [11], and an increase in cardiorespiratory fitness due to physical activity led to a 15–19% reduction of CVD mortality per metabolic equivalent (MET) improvement in
We examined the effects of exercise training (ET) intervention with Calanus oil or placebo supplementation on the body composition parameters
Summary
Common changes associated with aging include progressive sarcopenia, a decline in muscle mass and muscular function [1,2], as well as an increase in and redistribution of the fat mass [3]. These changes contribute to metabolic disturbances, systemic pro-inflammatory states, and an increased risk of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) [3]. Cardiovascular fitness is a strong predictor of CVD [11], and an increase in cardiorespiratory fitness due to physical activity led to a 15–19% reduction of CVD mortality per metabolic equivalent (MET) improvement in “unfit” men [12]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
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.
