Gait speed response to aerobic versus resistance exercise training in older adults

Little is known about the comparative effect of aerobic training (AT) versus resistance training (RT) on gait speed, a strong predictor of disability.

To compare the effect of AT versus RT on gait speed and other functional measures.

Overweight and obese [body mass index (BMI) ≥27.0 kg/m²] sedentary men and women aged 65-79 years engaged in 5 months of either 4 days/weeks moderate-intensity treadmill walking, AT, (n = 44) or 3 days/weeks moderate-intensity RT (n = 56). Usual-pace gait speed, fast-pace gait speed and short physical performance battery (SPPB) were evaluated in all participants before and after training. Peak oxygen consumption (VO₂peak) was assessed in AT participants only, and knee extensor strength was assessed in RT participants.

Both AT and RT resulted in clinically significant improvements in usual-pace gait speed (0.08 ± 0.14 and 0.08 ± 0.17 m/s, respectively, both p < 0.05) and SPPB (0.53 ± 1.40 and 0.53 ± 1.20 points, both p < 0.05) and chair rise time (-1.2 ± 3.2 and -1.7 ± 3.0 s, p < 0.05). Only AT improved fast-pace gait speed (0.11 ± 0.10 m/s, p < 0.05). In the RT participants, lower baseline knee strength was associated with less improvement in usual-pace gait speed. In AT participants, lower baseline VO₂peak was associated with less improvement in chair rise time and self-reported disability.

While both AT and RT improved usual-pace gait speed, only AT improved fast-pace gait speed. Lower baseline fitness was associated with less improvement with training.

Research to directly compare which mode of training elicits the maximum improvement in older individuals with specific functional deficits could lead to better intervention targeting.