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document
Low intensity physical training in older subjects . BACKGROUND This study was designed to evaluate the effects of a low intensity general training program ( < 50 % of heart rate reserve ) on physical fitness of healthy older subjects , by comparing maximal and submaximal indices of training response . METHODS Twenty-two volunteers over 60 years of age participated in the present study . The sample was randomly divided in an experimental group of 13 older subjects ( 3 men and 10 women , mean age 63.5 +/- 3 years ) while the remaining 9 subjects ( 3 men and 6 women , mean age 64.2 +/- 4 years ) served as inactive control group . After medical screening all participants were evaluated before and after 12 weeks in which the experimental subjects underwent a low intensity training . Each subjects-either inactive or active-performed two treadmill tests at two-days interval , to measure maximal and submaximal responses to exercise , respectively . Heart rate ( HR ) , oxygen uptake ( VO2 ) and pulmonary ventilation ( VE ) were measured using a telemetric apparatus . RESULTS The major finding of the study was the significant improvement in submaximal response to exercise of experimental subjects , expressed by the reduction in HR , VO2 VE while VO2 max did not change . CONCLUSIONS Thus , it appears that a low intensity general training similar to that followed in the present study may represent a good means to improve physical fitness in healthy elderly people . Similarly , this study supports the effectiveness of evaluation tests based on submaximal responses to exercise in this population .
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Intervention_Physical
Low intensity physical training
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Intervention_Physical
low intensity general training program
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Intervention_Control
inactive control group
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Intervention_Physical
low intensity training
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Intervention_Physical
two treadmill tests
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Outcome_Physical
oxygen uptake ( VO2 )
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Outcome_Physical
pulmonary ventilation ( VE )
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Outcome_Physical
submaximal response to exercise of experimental subjects
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Outcome_Physical
HR
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Outcome_Physical
VO2
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Outcome_Physical
VO2
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Outcome_Physical
physical fitness
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Outcome_Physical
submaximal responses
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Participant_Condition
older subjects .