Effects of moderate and low intensity long‐term exercise by older adults

Abstract

The goal was to determine the existence of differential effects of long-term moderate- or low-intensity exercise on selected bio-behavioral variables in 72 community-dwelling persons over 60 years of age. After screening, subjects were randomly assigned to a moderate (n = 39, 60-70% heart rate reserve [HRR]) or low (n = 33, 30-40% HRR) intensity exercise protocol. Both groups exercised three times per week for 9 months and dependent measures were taken at baseline, 4.5 months and after 9 months. Repeated measures ANOVA with Tukey post hoc comparisons constituted the analysis approach. Moderate exercise showed no superiority over low-intensity exercise; both groups improved about equally. Variables that significantly improved included: self-reported sleep (sleep quantity and dream recall), mental status (attention/concentration, short-term memory and higher cognitive functioning), health perceptions (health outlook, health worry, rejection of the sick role), and cardiovascular fitness indicators (submaximum stress test heart rate, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), maximum work capacity and maximum exercise time). Similarity of outcomes in both groups may mean that the moderate exercise protocol was too conservative. Conversely, the findings may indicate that lower levels of exercise, which may be safer and more feasible over time, do improve fitness levels, prolong independent functioning, and promote positive perceptions of well-being in older adults.

The Effects of Exercise on Cognition in Older Adults With and Without Cognitive Decline: A Systematic Review

“…Eight papers were excluded after all, because of the following reasons, no full-text paper (n=1); no RCT (n=1); study population also including subjects with depression and psychosis (n=1); multi-component intervention including non-exercise components (n=2); no neuropsychological tests (n=2); or describing same study and results as another included study (n=1). Finally, 23 papers were included; 15 among subjects without cognitive decline (No Cognitive Decline = NCD) [26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40] and eight among subjects with cognitive decline (CD).…”

“…In eight studies, the outcome assessor was blinded (NCD 33, 35, 36 and CD 41,42,44,45,47 ). Participants were blinded in two studies, one among cognitively healthy adults 38 and one in subjects with cognitive decline. 47 The exercise trainer was blinded in two studies as well (NCD 31 and CD…”

“…The lowest reported rate was zero 27, 29, 36, 37 and the highest rate was 26 percent. 38 In subjects with cognitive decline, the median drop-out rate was 15 percent, ranging from 0 41 to 38 percent. 46 Attendance to the exercise intervention classes in percentages was reported in 13 studies, see [41][42][43][44]47 ).…”

Healthy Brain Aging: Role of Exercise and Physical Activity

“…47,55,57,[59][60][61][62][63][64] One explanation may be that most exercise programs last a few months, whereas physical activity may protect cognitive function in the long-term.…”

Exercise Interventions for Older Adults with High Blood Pressure

“…Randomized, controlled studies have also demonstrated the numerous benefits of exercise training in older adults including improvcments in cardiorespiratory and metabolic function (Braith et al, 1994), lipid profile , flexibility, balance (Brown & Holloszy, 1993), psychological and cognitive functioning (McMurdo & Burnett, 1992), and sleep patterns (Stevenson & Topp, 1990). Reported changes in cardiovascular fitness indicators for previously sedentary older individuals include lowered resting pulse, decreases in cardiac output (e.g., BP and heart rate) during high intensity exercise, and increased maximal aerobic power (V02 Max) Steinhaus et al, 1990).…”