COMBINING DIFFERENT CONCURRENT TRAINING METHODS IN OLDER ADULTS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME

Introduction: There are no studies comparing the effects of different concurrent training routines [i.e., a resistance training plus high-intensity interval training (RT+HIIT) program compared to an RT plus moderate-intensity continuous training (RT+MICT) program] on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and physical performance in older adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of two concurrent training routines, RT+HIIT versus RT+MICT, on CRF and physical fitness in adults and older adults with MetS. Methods: Thirty-nine participants (67.0 +/- 6.7 years of age) were randomly assigned into three groups: RT+ MICT, RT+ HIIT and the control group (CON, no exercise). The 12-week physical training program consisted of 3 sessions/week (similar to 50 minutes/session). The aerobic training component was customized for iso-caloric energy expenditure (P >= 0.217) and iso-load distribution (TRIMP, P >= 0.893), however the MICT component had a longer aerobic training time (P <= 0.01). We evaluated pre- and post-evaluation CRF (VO2peak), physical capacity [power of lower limbs (PLL), running velocity, and running time to exhaustion], plasma lactate, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), resting heart rate (HRrest), and peak heart rate (HRpeak). Results: At the end of the intervention, a significant increase in the VO2peak was observed only in the RT+HIIT group (P=0.01), but compared to the CON group both RT+HIIT and RT+MICT groups had significant improvement in the VO2peak (P <= 0.02). Only the RT+HIIT group had lower HRrest as compared to the baseline and the CON group. Also, both RT+HIIT and RT+MICT groups, but not CON, significantly improved running speed, time to exhaustion, and PLL (P<0.05). There were no significant changes in HRpeak, RPE, and lactate for any of the groups. Conclusion: Our results suggest that 12 weeks of RT+MICT or RT+HIIT improve lower-limb physical performance. Also, our results suggest that RT+HIIT provides additional CRF benefits in older adults with MetS.