Training In Older Adults Research Articles

“CityQuest,” A Custom-Designed Serious Game, Enhances Spatial Memory Performance in Older Adults

Spatial cognition is known to decline with aging. However, little is known about whether training can reduce or eliminate age-related deficits in spatial memory. We investigated whether a custom-designed video game involving spatial navigation, obstacle avoidance, and balance control would improve spatial memory in older adults. Specifically, 56 healthy adults aged 65 to 84 years received 10 sessions of multicomponent video game training, based on a virtual cityscape, over 5 weeks. Participants were allocated to one of three training conditions: the main intervention, the “CityQuest” group (n = 19), and two control groups, spatial navigation without obstacle avoidance (“Spatial Navigation-only” group, n = 21) and obstacle avoidance without spatial navigation (“Obstacles-only” group, n = 15). Performance on object recognition, egocentric and allocentric spatial memory (incorporating direction judgment tasks and landmark location tasks, respectively), navigation strategy preference, and executive functioning was assessed in pre- and post-intervention sessions. The results showed an overall benefit on performance in a number of spatial memory measures and executive function for participants who received spatial navigation training, particularly the CityQuest group, who also showed significant improvement on the landmark location task. However, there was no evidence of a shift from egocentric to allocentric strategy preference. We conclude that spatial memory in healthy older participants is amenable to improvement with training over a short term. Moreover, technology based on age-appropriate, multicomponent video games may play a key role in cognitive training in older adults.

Body sway characteristics during static upright position following systematic balance training in older adults

Objective: The purpose of the work was to establish whether systematic balance training of moderate intensity influences postural control measurements in older adults. Methods: Seventy-nine healthy older adults (mean age 65.33 ±3.83 years) were randomly divided into 3 groups: classic balance training (CBT, n=32, mean age 66.03 ±3.19 years), virtual reality balance training (VBT, n=16, mean age 65.31 ±3.46 years), and control (CON, n=31, mean age 64.61 ±4.54 years). Postural control was measured at inclusion, and after completion of the 12 weeks training cycle or—CON—with an interval of 12 weeks. Results: The study revealed that both forms of applied BT caused significant changes in the examined parameters assessing balance. CBT improved reduced trunk deflection in the test with closed eyes condition, while in the VBT group, improvement was noted mainly regarding parameters assessing static balance with open eyes.

High-intensity Interval Training for Older Adults: Safety Issues

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been reported to become an alternative of moderate-intensity continuous training and adapted even in older adults. However, to implement the use of HIIT for older adults, who are very often associated with life-style related and chronic diseases, safety issues should be considered in the first place. However, at present, the evaluation of the safety of HIIT among older adults is compromised by the limited availability of relevant data due to the low proportion of studies reporting adverse events. In this review, update data regarding safety and check-up methods for older adults are described in submaximal HIIT and spring interval training.

The underlying mechanisms of improved balance after one and ten sessions of balance training in older adults.

Training improves balance control in older adults, but the time course and neural mechanisms underlying these improvements are unclear. We studied balance robustness and performance, H-reflex gains, paired reflex depression, and co-contraction duration in ankle muscles after one and ten training sessions in 22 older adults (+65yrs). Mediolateral balance robustness, time to balance loss in unipedal standing on a platform with decreasing rotational stiffness, improved (33%) after one session, with no further improvement after ten sessions. Balance performance, absolute mediolateral center of mass velocity, improved (18.75%) after one session in perturbed unipedal standing and (18.18%) after ten sessions in unperturbed unipedal standing. Co-contraction duration of soleus/tibialis anterior increased (16%) after ten sessions. H-reflex gain and paired reflex depression excitability did not change. H-reflex gains were lower, and soleus/tibialis anterior co-contraction duration was higher in participants with more robust balance after ten sessions, and co-contraction duration was higher in participants with better balance performance at several time-points. Changes in robustness and performance were uncorrelated with changes in co-contraction duration, H-reflex gain, or paired reflex depression. In older adults, balance robustness improved over a single session, while performance improved gradually over multiple sessions. Changes in co-contraction and excitability of ankle muscles were not exclusive causes of improved balance.

Efficacy of Immersive Virtual Reality-Based Cognitive Training in Older Adults with Hearing Impairment: Three Case Reports

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of immersive virtual reality (VR)-based cognitive training in older adults with hearing impairment. Participants were three older adults with hearing impairment. Three assessment tools, audiometric, neuropsychological, and outcome measurements of the subjective hearing handicap inventory for the elderly, were examined before and after the VR cognitive training. The VR cognitive training was conducted once per week for 6 weeks and consisted of five different VR games classified into three specific cognitive domains (attention, memory, and executive function). The improved VR game performances were constantly observed across the training sessions in all three participants. After the VR cognitive training, first, the scores on the forward digit span test (attention), immediate recall on the SVLT-E (memory), and word reading and color reading on the K-CWST (executive function) were improved for all participants. In addition, the reaction time on the K-TMT-E (executive function) was shortened. Second, the sentence recognition scores in adverse listening conditions (SNR 0 dB and -5 dB) were improved. Third, the Korean version of hearing handicap inventory for the elderly (K-HHIE) scores which are reflective of subjective hearing handicap were decreased. Preventive intervention for cognitive deficits in older adults with hearing impairment is needed because hearing impairment is one of the major risk factors for dementia in older age. In this respect, the present case study demonstrates that VR cognitive training could improve cognitive function, speech-in-noise perception, and subjective hearing handicap in the hearing-impaired elderly.

Exercise improves long-term social and behavioral rhythms in older adults: Did it play a role during the COVID-19 lockdown?

The study aimed to verify whether exercise training in older adults can improve social behavioral rhythms (SBR) and if any modification is maintained over time. Older adults (n=120) from a previous randomized controlled trial (RCT), were randomly allocated to either a moderate-intensity exercise group or a control group. SBR was evaluated at t0, t26, and t48 weeks (during the COVID-19 lockdown), using the brief social rhythms scale (BSRS). Seventy-nine participants completed the follow-up (age 72.3±4.7, women 55.3%). An improvement in the BSRS score was found in the exercise group at 26 weeks (p=0.035) when the exercise program was concluded, and it was still maintained at 48 weeks (p=0.013). No improvements were observed in the control group. To conclude, social behavioral rhythms (SBR), previously found as a resilience factor in older adults during Covid-19, appear to improve after a moderate 12 weeks exercise program, and the improvement persisted even after stopping exercise during the COVID-19 lockdown. Significance for public health The pandemic condition, requiring community containment and social distancing has widely affected the population, especially older adults. However, improvement of social and behavioral rhythms (SBR) in the year before the Covid-19 lockdown were found as an important resilience factor, especially against the risk of depression. Current study suggests that a moderate 12 weeks exercise program improved SBR and that the benefits persisted even after stopping exercise during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Metformin Impairs the Cardiorespiratory Fitness Adaptation to High-Intensity Power Training in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: Results From the GREAT2DO Randomised Controlled Trial

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a strong, modifiable predictor of cardiovascular mortality in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Metformin is commonly prescribed for T2D management and is known to impair CRF adaptations to aerobic training, however its effect on CRF adaptations to high-intensity, high velocity resistance training (Power training; POWER) has never been studied.

Neuromuscular and functional responses to concentric and eccentric strength training in older adults

The type of muscle action is important when designing exercise interventions for older individuals and may result in different effects. In this study we performed a systematic review of controlled trials comparing the effects of concentric and eccentric resistance training, performed on isokinetic dynamometers, on lower extremity muscular and functional performance in older adults (CDR42017075316). Six databases (Pubmed, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, PEDro, Cochrane Central and Embase) were searched. Outcomes of interest concerned neuromuscular and functional performance. Trials should consider 65 years or older individuals participating in concentric and/or eccentric training on isokinetic dynamometers, at least twice a week, during at least four weeks. Results should be compared to a control group or between different contraction types. A qualitative analysis of data was done. Quality assessment considered the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. The initial search returned 10376 studies and four trials were considered for inclusion. Three trials compared the effects of concentric training with the ones of control groups, and one compared the effects of concentric with the ones of eccentric training. All trials focused on knee extensor and flexor muscles, and one also focused on ankle dorsiflexors and plantarflexors. Training programs included three sessions/week lasting 8-12 weeks. Concentric training improved strength, power, and muscle antagonist coactivation compared to the control. Concentric and eccentric training improved knee isometric, concentric and eccentric strength and self-paced step test, with no effect on gait speed. They did not consider muscle structural parameters. The findings of beneficial effects of isokinetic concentric and eccentric resistance training on muscle strength and power in older adults were consistent. However, there is a lack of trials addressing the effects of isokinetic strength training on muscle structure and functionality.

The effects of modified Taekwondo on measures of functional fitness in older adults: a pilot study

Functional fitness represents the physical capacity needed to perform activities of daily living, independently without undue fatigue, deteriorates with age. Taekwondo is a traditional form of martial arts training that has shown several positive effects on fitness in younger adults. However, a paucity of research has investigated the impact of modified Taekwondo training in older adults. Therefore, this study aimed to implement a modified Taekwondo program for older adults over the age of 60 and determine its impact on functional fitness. Fifteen participants from a Taekwondo exercise class (average age: 72.7 years) and 10 non-exercising controls (average age: 73.8 years) participated. Functional fitness for all participants was pre-tested and post-tested using the following measures: = finger to nose test (FTNT) = timed single-leg stance (TSLS), timed up and go (TUG) = 30-second sit to stand test (30S2ST), 30-second arm curl test (ACT), two-minute step in place (2SIPT), chair sit and reach test (CSRT), back scratch test (BST). No significant differences were found between pre-test and post-test measures for both groups. Effect sizes showed that the intervention had a small effect on hand-eye coordination, timed single-leg balance, upper limb strength, aerobic fitness, and lower limb flexibility. Despite no functional effect, six weeks of modified Taekwondo training still reached improvements in balance, aerobic fitness, and lower limb flexibility.

Comparison Between Muscle Strength Training Versus Qigong Exercise Training in Older Adults with Balance Impairment

In our aging society, balance impairment raises the risk of falls and fractures. The purpose of this study was to determine whether strength training or qigong protocol is more effective in Enhancing elderly persons' balance and confidence in their physical health. A total number of 60 subjects was randomly assigned to one of the two groups. The first group was instructed to perform strength training whereas in group two, qigong exercises was given. The three outcome measures of Time up and Go Test (TUG), Functional Reach Test (FRT) and Chair Stand Test (CS30) were used to measure the effectiveness. The groups were compared using independent student’s t test. The study showed more improvement was witnessed in group 1 as compared to group 2 (TUG; G1,T=5.483, p<p0.0001; FRT (T=0.768, P< 0.0001) and GII (T=1.397, p<.0001).) and GII (T=3.209,0.0001) and CS-30 GI (T=5.258, p<0.0001) and GII (T=4.791, P<0.0001). Thus, strength training may be a useful clinical intervention for mitigating balance impairment in the elderly population.

The Effect of 2 Different Dual-Task Balance Training Methods on Balance and Gait in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of integrated and consecutive cognitive dual-task balance training in older adults on balance, fear of falling, and gait performance. Fifty-eight participants (age >65years) were randomly assigned to an integrated dual-task training group (IDTT) (n = 29) and consecutive dual-task training group (CDTT) (n = 29). Balance exercises and cognitive tasks were performed simultaneously by the IDTT group and consecutively by the CDTT group for 8weeks. Balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale as a primary outcome measure and the Timed "Up & Go" Test (TUG) (standard-cognitive), fear of falling was assessed using the Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale, and gait speed was assessed using the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT) (under single-task and dual-task conditions). All tests were performed before and after the training. There was no difference in group-time interaction in the Berg Balance Scale, TUG-standard, 10MWT-single task, and 10MWT-dual task tests. Group-time interaction was different in the TUG-cognitive and Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale scores. Also, the effect of time was significantly different in all scales except for the 10MWT-single task in both groups. At the end of the 8-week training period, the impact of integrated and consecutive dual-task balance training on balance and gait performance in older adults was not statistically significantly different. This study suggests that consecutive dual-task balance training can be used as an alternative method to increase balance performance and gait speed in older adults who cannot perform integrated dual-task activities. There were no significant differences between the effects of the 2 dual-task training methods on balance and gait speed, suggesting that the consecutive dual-task balance training method can be used to improve the balance and gait of older adults. CDTT can be performed safely and considered as an alternative method for use in many rehabilitation training programs with older adults who cannot perform simultaneous activities.

Changes in GPS-Derived Community Mobility After Motor Skill Training in Older Adults

The study purpose was to identify the effects of a motor skill training intervention to improve gait speed on community mobility among community-dwelling older adults. The study included 249 participants randomized to standard physical therapy or a standard plus motor skill training program. Community mobility was measured using the Life Space Assessment (LSA) and GPS at baseline, 12 (post-intervention), 24 and 36 weeks. There were 124 participants (M age=77.4±6.7; 68.6% female; LSA: 76.2±17.6) randomized to the standard plus and 125 (M age=77.4±6.4; 62.4% female; LSA: 74.3±18.2) to the standard group. There was no significant between-group difference in pre- or post-intervention LSA scores and no significant pre- to post-intervention change over time in either group. GPS results are pending. While there were no differences in self-reported LSA, we anticipate objective GPS measurement of community mobility will better capture post-intervention changes and differences between groups.

Resistance training improves mobility disability in community-dwelling older adults: a meta-analysis

Mobility disability is the impairment in function that affects the performance of daily tasks due to declines in physical function. Exercise interventions, particular resistance training, may have a positive impact on mobility disability, but the evidence for the effects of resistance training in older adults with mobility disability has not been previously systematically reviewed. This study was a systematic review of evidence related to resistance training on physical function for adults over 65 years of age with mobility disability. Four databases (PEDro, MedLine, Ovid, Web of Science) were searched from inception to February 2, 2021 for randomized controlled trials. Twenty-four articles from 22 studies (3,656 participants) were included in the review. Mean participant age ranged from 63-87 years and exercise interventions ranged from 10 weeks to 12 months in duration. Greater changes in 6-minute Walk Test (6MWT) distance (n=638, p<0.0001; mean difference (MD) 16.1 metres; 95%CI 12.3-19.9), lower extremity strength (n=785, p<0.0001; standard MD 2.01; 95%CI 1.27-2.75) and usual gait speed (n=2,106, p<0.001; MD 0.05 metres/second, 95%CI 0.03-0.07) were seen with resistance training as compared to control. These results were maintained if resistance training was a sole intervention or a component of a multi-component program. Sensitivity analysis based on risk of bias concerns did not change results. This review demonstrates that resistance training improves walking capacity, strength and walking speed in community-dwelling older adults and may facilitate aging in place. Since improvements in strength and gait speed contribute to independence, our results indicate highly beneficial outcomes for older persons.

High-Intensity Interval Training in Older Adults With Treatment Naive Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia, affecting predominantly older adults. Treatment naïve patients (CLLtn) with low physical fitness have poor survival following commencement of treatment. CLLtn is characterized by inadequate immune functions, increased risk of secondary malignancies and infections. The aims of this study were to determine the feasibility and preliminary effects of 12-weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on CLLtn patients. We enrolled eighteen CLLtn patients (64.9±9.1yrs.). Eleven (5M/6F) were allocated to HIIT and seven (4M/3F) to the control group (CON). HIIT consisted of three 30-minute treadmill sessions/week plus two 30-minute strength training sessions/week. Feasibility was confirmed if >70% of HIIT participants completed >75% of prescribed sessions and prescribed minutes, and if >80% of high-intensity intervals were at a heart rate corresponding to 80% of aerobic capacity (139±19 bpm). Results are presented as mean±SD and effect sizes (d), with 0.2, 0.5 and 0.8 representing small, medium and large effect sizes, respectively. Feasibility was achieved, with HIIT completing 5.0±0.2 sessions/week and 99±3.6% of prescribed minutes/week at 142±19 bpm. No adverse safety events were observed. Compared to CON, HIIT increased leg (d=2.602), chest (d=1.285), and seated row (d=3.323) strength, while aerobic capacity difference between groups was d=0.431. Compared to CON, HIIT increased in vitro natural killer immune cell cytolytic activity against K562 (d=1.586) and OSU-CLL (d=0.917) cancer cell lines, and autologous CLL cells (d=1.362). HIIT is safe and feasible in older adults with CLLtn. Preliminary effects suggest that HIIT increases muscle strength and important components of immune function.

Machine Learning Approaches to Understanding and Predicting Patterns of Adherence

In cognitive training of older adults, adherence is a major challenge, but appropriate just-in-time adaptive interventions can improve adherence. To understand adherence patterns and predictors of adherence lapses, we aggregated data from two previous trials (N > 230) involving home-based cognitive interventions. This dataset, detailing 40,000 intervention interactions, contains information about intervention engagement and measures of objective and subjective cognitive performance, demographics, technology proficiency, and attitudes. Exploratory analyses were conducted to understand patterns and predictors of faltering adherence, using classification models, together with feature selection to remove redundant variables. Adherence behaviors in a week were predictive of quitting the following week. Game parameters such as the time of play were weak indicators of future playing patterns, whereas game success was a strong predictor of adherence. These and other useful observations will be incorporated in the design and development of the smart reminder system to be deployed in the APPT project.

SAFE - Home Opioid Management Education (SAFE-HOME) in older adults: a naloxone awareness program for home health workers.

BackgroundOlder adults (≥65 years) have seen significant increases in opioid overdose deaths. Diversion of older adults’ opioid medication is also a contributor to opioid misuse. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, saves lives when used for an opioid overdose, yet education on opioid overdose and naloxone access and training for older adults is limited.MethodsA prospective, interventional training program was created to educate home health workers and their older adult clients on opioid overdose and naloxone utility. The SAFE – Home Opioid Management Education (SAFE-HOME) naloxone awareness program was created to include in-person training with educational handouts around opioid risks and on the importance of naloxone. Home health workers, who provide in-home care and care coordination to older adults in rural Illinois, were trained to educate their clients with the SAFE-HOME program. Older adults were included if they were prescribed an opioid for any indication. Outcomes included change in knowledge of opioids and naloxone, home health worker perception of client knowledge level and naloxone obtainment rates following the educational intervention.ResultsThirty-five clients completed the SAFE-HOME program. The average knowledge assessment score increased from a baseline of 39.4% (SD 26.8) to 90.6% (SD 12.6, p<0.01). Most home health workers agreed their older adult clients had poor baseline knowledge of naloxone. No clients obtained naloxone due to lack of perceived need and cost barriers.ConclusionAn educational approach utilizing home health workers as client educators resulted in increased knowledge of opioid risks and naloxone utility amongst older adults.

Memory training in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: Positive effects are found five years after MEMO training compared to control intervention

AbstractBackgroundCognitive training was found to have a positive effect on the memory of healthy older adults, including long‐term benefits (Rebok et al, 2014). This finding offers hope that cognitive training could contribute to prevention approaches. However, little is known regarding the long‐term benefits of cognitive training in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), many of whom are in the early phase of Alzheimer’s disease. In a prior randomized controlled trial (Belleville et al, 2018), we reported a short‐term benefit of cognitive training on the delayed recall of older adults with MCI. The objective of this study was to assess the impact five years later.MethodThis is the five‐year follow‐up of a single‐blind randomized controlled trial (MEMO+). Participants with amnestic MCI were randomized to memory training or an active (psychosocial intervention) or passive (no‐contact) control condition. Interventions were provided in small groups over eight two‐hour sessions with a single booster session offered three months following training. In the initial study, participants were assessed post‐training, as well as three and six months after the intervention. The 127 participants with MCI, who completed the 6‐month post‐training assessment, were contacted five years post‐training. Primary outcomes included a 12‐word free recall task, a self‐reported strategy used in everyday life, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment screening test (MoCA). Participants randomized to cognitive training were compared to those randomized to the control conditions.ResultParticipants with MCI, who were randomized to the cognitive training condition, showed a reduced 5‐year decline on the delayed recall task when compared to participants in the control conditions. Participants randomized to the cognitive training condition also demonstrated superior delayed recall and MoCA performance than those in the control condition, five years post‐training. There were no differences on self‐reported strategy use.ConclusionThe positive effect of cognitive training was found five years later on measures of delayed memory and global cognitive status in individuals with MCI. This indicates that the use of cognitive training is a valid preventive approach and has potential to delay the onset of dementia in at‐risk individuals.

Effects and Feasibility of a Memory Exergame Training in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: The aim of the study is to assess the feasibility, sustainability, and effectiveness of task-specific memory exergame training on motor-cognitive performance in older adults. Materials and Methods: Fifty older adults (age: 78.8 ± 7.0 years) participated in a randomized controlled trial with a 10-week intervention and 3-month follow-up period. Both the intervention group (IG: n = 29) and control group (CG: n = 21) underwent a once-weekly exercise program, including strength and balance exercises, while the IG performed an additional exergame training, combining dynamic balance with visuospatial memory tasks. Outcome measures were completion time for distinct levels of memory exergame tasks without (condition 1) and with procedural support (condition 2) and (sub)-total game scores documented by a game-specific assessment strategy. Results: Significant improvements in the IG compared with the CG over the intervention period were found for completion times in most of the analyzed levels of condition 1 (P < 0.001-0.047; ηp2 = 0.238-0.335) and one level of condition 2 (P < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.267), for the subtotal game score of condition 1 (P = 0.002; ηp2 = 0.186), and for the total game score (P = 0.005; ηp2 = 0.162). Improvements were partially sustained 3 months after training cessation (P = 0.008-0.039, ηp2 = 0.095-0.174). Completion rates for initial levels were 86%-98%. No clinical events or safety issues were observed during the training. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that additional memory exergame training effectively, and sustainably, improves performance in complex motor-cognitive tasks involving dynamic balance and visuospatial memory in older adults.

Cognitive training in institutionalized older adults using telecommunication technology during social isolation

AbstractBackgroundSince last year the world has faced a pandemic. In Brazil it caused one of the World´s highest rate of death and it is known that the older adults are in the risk group for having worse outcomes of the disease and therefore need to be in strict social isolation. Previous studies have indicated cognitive and mood performance improvement from cognitive training in older adults, but there isn´t enough scientific evidence on the effectiveness of these training performed remotely by telecommunication technology.MethodsThe study was developed with 12 older people from a public long term care institution who completed all the phases of this study. The individuals were included in a group according to cognitive performance: (1) cognitively preserved; (2) mild cognitive impairment; and (3) severe cognitive impairment. They were evaluated through a cognitive and depression assessment tools. The instruments were applied in two moments: before and five months after the cognitive training intervention.Results84% were female with a mean age of 78.0±9.3 years and 4.3±4.0 years of schooling (Table 1). There was no significant improvement in cognitive (20.6 ± 6.1 vs. 20.4 ± 7.6, p = 0.86) or mood performance (2.4 ± 1.7 vs. 2.5 ± 1.9, p = 0.80) (Table 2).ConclusionConsidering the need for social isolation the evaluated older persons were deprived for a long time of contact with family members and other activities at the institution, which could have caused a negative impact on their cognitive performance. The present results could be interpreted as if the remote cognitive training contributed to protect the cognitive performance from worsening. Also, it was only possible to carry out a few sessions of training and maybe, with more sessions, the effect could have shown significant results. The training effect could have been lost because of the time that passed between the end of the intervention and the second assessment in the groups. In addition, there is still no scientific evidence on the effectiveness of remote training as opposed to in person training. Thus, more studies are needed to validate remote cognitive training as an effective strategy.

A pilot study of high-intensity interval training in older adults with treatment na\xefve chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in the USA, affecting predominantly older adults. CLL is characterized by low physical fitness, reduced immunity, and increased risk of secondary malignancies and infections. One approach to improving CLL patients’ physical fitness and immune functions may be participation in a structured exercise program. The aims of this pilot study were to examine physical and immunological changes, and feasibility of a 12-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with muscle endurance-based resistance training on older adults with treatment naïve CLL. We enrolled eighteen participants with CLL aged 64.9 ± 9.1 years and assigned them to groups depending on distance lived from our fitness center. Ten participants (4 M/6F) completed HIIT and six participants (4 M/2F) completed a non-exercising control group (Controls). HIIT consisted of three 30-min treadmill sessions/week plus two concurrent 30-min strength training sessions/week. Physical and immunological outcomes included aerobic capacity, muscle strength and endurance, and natural killer (NK) cell recognition and killing of tumor cells. We confirmed feasibility if > 70% of HIIT participants completed > 75% of prescribed sessions and prescribed minutes, and if > 80% of high-intensity intervals were at a heart rate corresponding to at least 80% of peak aerobic capacity (VO2peak). Results are presented as Hedge’s G effect sizes (g), with 0.2, 0.5 and 0.8 representing small, medium and large effects, respectively. Following HIIT, leg strength (g = 2.52), chest strength (g = 1.15) and seated row strength (g = 3.07) were 35.4%, 56.1% and 39.5% higher than Controls, respectively, while aerobic capacity was 3.8% lower (g = 0.49) than Controls. Similarly, following HIIT, in vitro NK-cell cytolytic activity against the K562 cell line (g = 1.43), OSU-CLL cell line (g = 0.95), and autologous B-cells (g = 1.30) were 20.3%, 3.0% and 14.6% higher than Controls, respectively. Feasibility was achieved, with HIIT completing 5.0 ± 0.2 sessions/week and 99 ± 3.6% of the prescribed minutes/week at heart rates corresponding to 89 ± 2.8% of VO2peak. We demonstrate that 12-weeks of supervised HIIT combined with muscle endurance-based resistance training is feasible, and that high adherence and compliance are associated with large effects on muscle strength and immune function in older adults with treatment naïve CLL.Trial registration: NCT04950452.