[Influence of group training on pulse wave velocity in elderly women]

The purpose of this study was to identify the influence of our designed group training on pulse wave velocity in elderly women.

Eighty six elderly women were assigned to two groups randomly; an intervention group (69.8 +/- 7.2 yrs) and a control group (68.9 +/- 7.3 yrs). In the intervention group, subjects participated in 90-min group training twice a week for 12 weeks. Our designed training program included recreational activities, six to eight resistance exercises for circuit training using rubber tubes and light weight dumbbells, and chair-based aerobic exercise. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and the brachial-to-ankle pulse-wave velocity (baPWV) were obtained in the supine position. Functional fitness with regard to standing, walking, hand work, and self-care was also measured.

Changes in ratios of SBP, DBP and baPWV between before and after the intervention were - 3.3 +/- 8.4%, - 4.3 +/- 7.8%, and - 8.9 +/- 5.0% for the intervention group, and 1.7 +/- 7.9%, 0.9 +/- 7.7%, and 0.2 +/- 5.4% for the control group. The differences between the two groups were significant (P < 0.01). Change in ratios for standing and self-care also significantly differed (P < 0.05).

These results suggested that our designed group training for elderly women improves arterial function and functional fitness.