Agility-based exercise training compared to traditional strength and balance training in older adults: a pilot randomized trial

Abstract

Background. In addition to generally high levels of physical activity, multi-component exercise training is recommended for the maintenance of health and fitness in older adults, including the prevention of falls and frailty. This training often encompasses serial sequencing of balance, strength, endurance and other types of exercise. Exercise training featuring integrative training of these components (i.e. agility training) has been proposed, as it more likely reflects real life challenges like stop-and-go patterns, cutting manoeuvers, turns and decision-making. In this study, we compared the efficacy of an agility-based training to the traditional strength and balance training approach with regard to selected risk factors for falls and frailty.Methods. We trained twenty-seven community-dwelling healthy seniors (16♂; 11♀; age: 69.5 ± 5.3 y; BMI: 26.4 ± 3.7 kg/m2) for 8 weeks in a group setting with 3 sessions per week, each lasting 50 minutes. Participants were randomized into either the agility group (AGI; n=12), that used the integrative multi-component training, or the traditional strength and balance group (TSB; n=15). TSB performed balance and strength exercises separately, albeit within the same session. The training of both groups progressively increased in difficulty. Outcomes were static and dynamic balance (single leg eyes open stand, Y-balance test, reactive balance), lower limb (plantar flexion and dorsal extension) and trunk flexion and extension maximum strength and rate of torque development (RTD). In addition, we tested endurance by the six-minute walk test (6MWT). We calculated linear mixed effects models for between-groups comparisons as well as effect sizes (ES) with 95 % confidence intervals. Results. Small ES in favor of AGI were found for plantar flexion strength (ES>0.18[-0.27;0.89]) and RTD (ES>0.43[-0.19;1.36]) as well as trunk extension RTD (ES=0.35[-0.05;0.75]). No other parameters showed notable between group differences. Compliance was high in both groups (AGI: 90 ± 8 % of sessions; TSB: 91 ± 7 % of sessions).Discussion. Agility-based exercise training seems at least as efficacious as traditional strength and balance training in affecting selected fall risk factors among community-dwelling healthy seniors. Especially lower limb and trunk extension explosive strength seem to benefit from the agility training.

Agility Training to Integratively Promote Neuromuscular, Cognitive, Cardiovascular and Psychosocial Function in Healthy Older Adults: A Study Protocol of a One-Year Randomized-Controlled Trial

“…The agility training framework [10] seems to be a promising and feasible framework to time-efficiently address multiple relevant health aspects in the aging process. However, the specific approach, as introduced by Donath et al [10], has only been examined in one pilot study so far [18]. As Donath et al [10] already stated, the best practice recommendations of exercise training for older adults do not cope with the interplay of neuromuscular performance, cognitive function and cardiovascular performance.…”

“…It is, therefore, more functional than common training settings and more specific to situations where, e.g., balance is threatened in real life. Lichtenstein et al [27] conducted a pilot study with first promising effects of agility training as a basis for a long-term intervention study [18]. They conclude that agility training might lead to favorable adaptations in muscle power, endurance, balance and strength.…”

“…Participants who take part in the agility training program have potential benefits from regularly participating in group-based exercise training, aiming at improving their overall health. No adverse events are expected during the measurements or the intervention based on the experiences of the pilot trial [18]. Two coaches for a maximum of 13 participants closely supervise all training sessions.…”

ผลของการฝึกสปีดแลดเดอร์ที่มีต่อความคล่องแคล่วว่องไวและสมรรถนะการทำกิจกรรมในผู้สูงอายุ

“…เพิ ่ มความสามารถทางด้ านระบบหั วใจและหลอดเลื อด (Cardiovascular capacity) (Diamond, 2013;Donath et al, 2016c;Morat et al, 2020) 8. พั ฒนากำลั งกล้ ามเนื ้ อ (Muscle power) (Lichtenstein et al, 2020) 9. เพิ ่ มความมั ่ นคงของโครงร่ าง (Postural stability) (Liu-Ambrose et al, 2004a;Liu-Ambrose et al, 2004b) 10.…”