Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 25, 2026

Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
Short-term water-based aerobic training promotes improvements in aerobic conditioning parameters of mature women
Rochelle Rocha Costa1, Thais Reichert1, Leandro Coconcelli1
1Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, School of Physical Education, 750 Felizardo Street, Porto Alegre City, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil.
Abstract:
Aging is accompanied by a decrease in aerobic capacity. Therefore, physical training has been recommended to soften the effects of advancement age. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a short-term water-based aerobic training on resting heart rate (HRrest), heart rate corresponding to anaerobic threshold (HRAT), peak heart rate (HRpeak), percentage value of HRAT in relation to HRpeak and test duration (TD) of mature women. Twenty-two women (65.91 ± 4.83 years) were submitted to a five-week water-based interval aerobic training. Aerobic capacity parameters were evaluated through an aquatic incremental test. After training, there was an increase in TD (16%) and HRAT percentage in relation to HRpeak (4.68%), and a reduction of HRrest (9%). It is concluded that a water-based aerobic interval training prescribed through HRAT of only five weeks is able to promote improvements in aerobic capacity of mature women.
Related Concept Videos
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...

