Traditional and Undulating Periodization on Body Composition, Strength Levels and Physical Fitness in Older Adults

Undulating training has been investigated in sedentary and trained adults, but less is known about the influence of undulating training in older adults.

This study aimed to evaluate body composition, strength levels, and physical fitness in response to traditional or undulating training in older adults.

A controlled, double-arm trial was conducted in eighteen older adults (10 males, 8 females; 64 ± 2.1 years; 165.12 ± 7.5 cm; 72.5 ± 11.4 kg; 26.5 ± 3.2 k·gm^-2) who were randomly assigned to traditional (n = 9, TT) or undulating training (n = 9, UT) for eight weeks. Dual X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), and bone mineral density (BMD). Strength levels were evaluated by the handgrip strength and the one-repetition maximum in vertical chest press, rowing machine, squat, monopodal horizontal leg press, and leg extension. In addition, functional capacity was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT). Statistical analysis included mean/median comparisons to establish the difference after the intervention (paired Student's t-test or Wilcoxon test), and effect size calculations based on estimates.

After correction for fat-free adipose tissue, a significant increase in FFM was observed in both groups, while no significant changes were found in FM and BMD. Upper- and lower-limbs strength showed significant increases in both groups, although clinical significance varied among exercises. Favorable results were seen on the cardiorespiratory fitness and strength components of the SFT in both groups.

The 8-week UT and TT protocols are valid options for improving FFM and increasing strength and functional capacity in women and men over 60 years of age.