Efficiency of twice weekly concurrent training in trained elderly men

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Gerontology
• Sports Science

Background:

• Concurrent training, combining strength and endurance, is recommended for older adults.
• Optimal training frequency for concurrent training in previously trained elderly individuals is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of twice-weekly versus thrice-weekly concurrent training on cardiovascular and neuromuscular adaptations in previously trained elderly men.
• To determine the efficiency of lower training frequencies for concurrent training in this population.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-four healthy elderly men (65±4 years) participated in a 10-week concurrent training intervention.
• Participants were randomized into two groups: training twice per week (SE2) or thrice per week (SE3), with matched intensity and volume per session.
• Assessments included one-repetition maximum (1RM), peak torque (PT), electromyographic activity (EMG), muscle thickness (MT), peak oxygen uptake (VO(2peak)), maximum aerobic workload (W(max)), and ventilatory thresholds (VT1, VT2).

Main Results:

• Both SE2 and SE3 groups showed significant improvements in upper and lower-body 1RM, muscle thickness (MT), peak oxygen uptake (VO(2peak)), and ventilatory thresholds (VT1, VT2).
• No significant changes were observed in maximal EMG or isometric peak torque (PT) in either group.
• Maximum aerobic workload (W(max)) improved significantly only in the SE3 group.

Conclusions:

• Twice-weekly concurrent training elicits comparable neuromuscular and cardiovascular adaptations to thrice-weekly training in previously trained elderly men.
• Lower training frequencies (twice weekly) are efficient for achieving significant fitness gains in this demographic.
• These findings suggest that concurrent training can be effectively implemented at a lower frequency for previously trained older adults.