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Low intensity physical training in older subjects

G De Vito¹, R Hernandez, V Gonzalez

¹Institute of Human Physiology, University La Sapienza, Roma, Italy.

The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness

|March 1, 1997

Summary

Low intensity exercise significantly improved physical fitness in older adults, particularly in submaximal responses. This highlights the effectiveness of tailored training programs for healthy elderly individuals.

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Area of Science:

Gerontology
Exercise Physiology
Sports Medicine

Background:

Investigating the impact of low-intensity training (<50% heart rate reserve) on healthy older adults' physical fitness.
Comparing maximal and submaximal indices to assess training response in the elderly population.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week low-intensity general training program on the physical fitness of healthy older adults.
To compare maximal and submaximal exercise responses before and after the training intervention.

Main Methods:

Twenty-two healthy older adults (age >60) were randomized into an experimental (n=13) and a control group (n=9).
The experimental group underwent 12 weeks of low-intensity training, while the control group remained inactive.

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Maximal and submaximal exercise tests were conducted using treadmill protocols, measuring heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (VO2), and pulmonary ventilation (VE).

Main Results:

The experimental group showed significant improvements in submaximal exercise responses, indicated by reductions in HR, VO2, and VE.
No significant changes were observed in maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) in the trained group.

Conclusions:

Low-intensity general training can effectively enhance physical fitness in healthy elderly individuals.
Submaximal exercise evaluation tests are effective for assessing training responses in older populations.