Concurrent strength and endurance training exercise sequence does not affect neuromuscular adaptations in older men

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science

Background:

• Concurrent training enhances skeletal muscle performance in aging individuals.
• The impact of intra-session exercise sequencing on neuromuscular and functional adaptations remains debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of concurrent endurance and strength training sequence on muscular and functional adaptations in older men.
• To compare adaptations between endurance-first (ES) and strength-first (SE) training protocols.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-six healthy older men were divided into control (CON), endurance-strength (ES), and strength-endurance (SE) groups.
• Training groups completed 12 weeks of concurrent training twice weekly, differing in exercise order.
• Measurements included maximal strength (1RM), peak power, 30-second sit-to-stand test (30SS), electromyography, and echo intensity (RFEI).

Main Results:

• Both ES and SE groups showed significant increases in maximal strength, peak power, and 30SS performance compared to CON.
• No significant differences in adaptations were observed between the ES and SE groups.
• Increased muscular activity and reduced RFEI (indicating muscle adaptation) were noted in both training groups.

Conclusions:

• Concurrent training is effective for improving muscular performance and functional capacity in older men.
• The intra-session exercise sequence (endurance-first or strength-first) does not influence these adaptations.
• Concurrent training leads to beneficial neuromuscular and functional adaptations in older adults, regardless of exercise order.