Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training on Functional Movement in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Exercise Science
• Geriatric Rehabilitation
• Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine

Background:

• Maintaining physiological functional capacity (PFC) is crucial for older adults' independence.
• Physical activity, particularly exercise training, is linked to improved PFC.
• Functional movement preservation is a key goal for older adults' physical activity.

Approach:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and pair-matched trials.
• Included studies focused on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) interventions for older adults.
• Excluded studies with neurological impairment or combined exercise modalities.

Key Points:

• HIIT demonstrated a medium, statistically significant positive effect on functional movement compared to non-intervention controls (ES=0.60).
• The effect of HIIT versus moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on functional movement was trivial and not statistically significant (ES=0.13).
• Subgroup analyses using singular and multiple functional movement outcome measures yielded similar results.

Conclusions:

• HIIT interventions appear effective for enhancing functional movement in older adults.
• Further research is needed to clarify if HIIT offers advantages over MICT for functional movement.
• HIIT may be a valuable exercise modality for promoting mobility and independence in aging populations.