Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
Physiological adjustments to higher- or lower-intensity exercise in elders
Abstract:
A program of physical activity for people over 60 yr of age was developed to determine whether exercising at lower intensities (LI) is a significant conditioning stimulus. In addition, differences in aerobic capacities (VO2max) elicited by training at LI, as opposed to training at higher intensities (HI), were evaluated. Thirty-two volunteers over 60 yr of age (mean = 67.8 yr) participated in a 9-wk exercise program. After initial testing of VO2max on a cycle ergometer, subjects were assigned randomly to the HI, LI, or control group. Endurance training of the two exercise groups on cycle ergometers was maintained at 30-45% (N = 14) or 60-75% (N = 14) of the range (HRR) between the subject's resting and maximum heart rate for 25 min during each exercise session. These training intensities represented 57 and 70% of the VO2max of the LI and HI groups, respectively. Participants averaged three exercise sessions per week. Non-exercising volunteers served as control subjects. A one-way ANOVA with repeated measures was utilized for comparisons of retest, groups, and interaction. As a result of the exercise program, significant changes (P less than 0.005) in absolute (VO2max, 1 X min-1) and relative (VO2max, ml X min-1 X kg-1) aerobic capacities were realized within each training group while initial and post-training VO2max were not significantly different between the two groups. Similar changes were documented by a reduction in heart rate at submaximal exercise intensities and during recovery. It was concluded that exercising at LI (30-45% HRR) is an adequate training stimulus in older individuals and produces changes in VO2max that are comparable to those elicited by HI (60-75% HRR) training.
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 met...
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...
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
Cellular Adaptation II: Hypertrophy

