Effects of Low-Speed and High-Speed Resistance Training Programs on Frailty Status, Physical Performance, Cognitive Function, and Blood Pressure in Prefrail and Frail Older Adults

Abstract

Aim: The current study investigated the effects of low-speed resistance training (LSRT) and high-speed resistance training (HSRT) on frailty status, physical performance, cognitive function and blood pressure in pre-frail and frail older people.Material and Methods: Sixty older adults, 32 prefrail and 28 frail, were randomly allocated into LSRT, HSRT, and control group (CG). Before and after intervention periods frailty status, blood pressure, heart rate, and a set of physical performance capabilities and cognitive domains were assessed. Exercise interventions occurred over 16 weeks and included four resistance exercises with 4–8 sets of 4–10 repetitions at moderate intensity.Results: The prevalence of frailty criteria in prefrail and frail older adults were reduced after both LSRT and HSRT. In prefrail, LSRT significantly improved lower-limb muscle strength, while mobility was only improved after HSRT. Muscle power and dual-task performance were significantly increased in both LSRT and HSRT. In frail, LSRT and HSRT similarly improved lower-limb muscle strength and power. However, exclusive improvements in dual-task were observed after LSRT. Memory was significantly increased in prefrail and frail, regardless of the type of resistance training. No significant changes were observed in blood pressure and heart rate.Conclusion: Findings of the present study indicated that both LSRT and HSRT reversed frailty status and improved physical performance in prefrail and frail older adults. Notably, different patterns of improvement were observed among RT protocols. Regarding frailty status, LSRT seemed to be more effective in reverse prefrailty and frailty when compared to HSRT. Greater improvements in muscle strength and power were also observed after LSRT, while HSRT produced superior increases in mobility and dual-task performance. One-leg stand performance was significantly reduced in LSRT, but not HSRT and CG, after 16 weeks. In contrast, RT programs similarly improved verbal memory in prefrail. Finally, no changes in blood pressure and heart rate were observed, regardless of the type of RT.Trial Registration: The protocol was approved by the University of Campinas Human Research Ethics Committee (Protocol No. 20021919.7.0000.5404) and retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Results System: NCT04868071.

Effects of maximal-versus submaximal-intent resistance training on functional capacity and strength in community-dwelling older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Across all studies, sample sizes ranged from 18 to 50. Seven studies (70%) [ 27 , 71 – 76 ] mixed both male and female participants. Most studies recruited from links with community-dwelling adults and organisations [ 27 , 71 – 77 ].…”

“…Only one study provided a power calculation, Tiggemann, Dias [ 78 ]. Four studies (40%) [ 27 , 73 , 75 , 76 ] recorded their method of randomisation, all using a computerised random number generator. Only two studies (20%) included information regarding safety of RT or injuries/illnesses sustained during the intervention; Gray, Powers [ 27 ] reported no injuries and suggested MIRT as safe and effective, and Miszko, Cress [ 72 ] reported a 22% (11/50 participants) drop-out through injuries and/or personal medical reasons.…”

Low Adherence to Mediterranean Diet Is Associated with Probable Sarcopenia in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Results from the Longevity Check-Up (Lookup) 7+ Project

“…This finding supports experts’ opinion that physical activity should be the first-line therapy to counteract age-related sarcopenia [ 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 ]. Numerous studies have reported that different exercise training modalities might improve upper- and lower-limb muscle strength in older adults [ 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 ]. Specific attention has been paid to resistance training-type exercise [ 62 ], since exercise aspects may be safely and easily adjusted to stimulate type II muscle fibers and produce significant improvements in muscle strength [ 62 ].…”

Frailty and Different Exercise Interventions to Improve Gait Speed in Older Adults after Acute Coronary Syndrome

“…The study by Kim et al showed that nutrition supplementation in combination with 60 min strengthening and balance training given twice per week for 3 months improved gait speed in frail elderly women even by 14.7% [43]. Another study reported that 4-month resistance training had a positive impact on gait speed only in prefrail older adults, while frail older adults showed no improvement in gait speed [44]. Currently, there are no other studies proving the benefit of short-term physical training for gait speed in older people who are vulnerable and frail undergoing CR after acute coronary syndrome; therefore, we will continue our research in this field.…”