title: Effects of eccentric-focused and conventional resistance training on strength and functional capacity of older adults Effects of short term elastic resistance training on muscle mass and strength in untrained older adults: a randomized clinical trial Effects of vertical and side-alternating vibration training on fall risk factors and bone turnover in older people at risk of falls. Effects of Heavy-Resistance Strength and Balance Training on Unilateral and Bilateral Leg Strength Performance in Old Adults Low-Load Very High-Repetition Resistance Training Attenuates Bone Loss at the Lumbar Spine in Active Post-menopausal Women Effects of different resistance training frequencies on flexibility in older women Resistance training does not have an effect on cognition or related serum biomarkers in nonagenarians: a randomized controlled trial. Short rest interval lengths between sets optimally enhance body composition and performance with 8 weeks of strength resistance training in older men Influence of Whole-Body Vibration Training Without Visual Feedback on Balance and Lower-Extremity Muscle Strength of the Elderly Comparative effects of light or heavy resistance power training for improving lower extremity power and physical performance in mobility-limited older adults. The Effects of 52 Weeks of Soccer or Resistance Training on Body Composition and Muscle Function in +65-Year-Old Healthy Males – A Randomized Controlled Trial Mail-Based Intervention for Sarcopenia Prevention Increased Anabolic Hormone and Skeletal Muscle Mass in Community-Dwelling Japanese Older Adults: The INE (Intervention by Nutrition and Exercise) Study. Resistance training improves capacity to delay neuromuscular fatigue in older adults. Effects of Exercise and Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM) Supplementation on Body Composition, Physical Function, and Hematological Parameters in Community-Dwelling Frail Japanese Women: A Randomized Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Follow-Up Trial Effect of resistance training with different frequencies and detraining on muscular strength and oxidative stress biomarkers in older women Influence of combined resistance training and healthy diet on muscle mass in healthy elderly women: a randomized controlled trial. Handgrip strength does not represent an appropriate measure to evaluate changes in muscle strength during an exercise intervention program in frail older people. Effects of a whole body vibration (WBV) exercise intervention for institutionalized older people: a randomized, multicentre, parallel, clinical trial. Effects of Whole Body Vibration in Patients With COPD Combined training enhances skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative capacity independent of age. Load-Specific Inflammation Mediating Effects of Resistance Training in Older Persons. Physiological responses during downhill walking Effects of home-based bench step exercise on inflammatory cytokines and lipid profiles in elderly Japanese females: A randomized controlled trial. Comparative effects of horse exercise versus traditional exercise programs on gait, muscle strength, and body balance in healthy older adults. Blood pressure, salivary cortisol, and inflammatory cytokine outcomes in senior female cancer survivors enrolled in a tai chi chih randomized controlled trial Aerobic Versus Resistance Training Effects on Health-Related Quality of Life, Body Composition, and Function of Older Adults Strength training at high versus low external resistance in older adults: Effects on muscle volume, muscle strength, and force–velocity characteristics Resistance training reduces disability in prostate cancer survivors on androgen deprivation therapy: evidence from a randomized controlled trial. A physical activity intervention to treat the frailty syndrome in older persons-results from the LIFE-P study. Effects of feedback-based balance and core resistance training vs. Pilates training on balance and muscle function in older women: a randomized-controlled trial. Effects of 8-week combined training on body composition, isokinetic strength, and cardiovascular disease risk factors in older women Effect of aerobic training and aerobic and resistance training on the inflammatory status of hypertensive older adults Effect of concurrent training with blood flow restriction in the elderly. Effect of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation on arterial stiffness and inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers: a randomized controlled trial of myocardial infarction patients. Effect of structured physical activity on prevention of major mobility disability in older adults: the LIFE study randomized clinical trial. Evaluation of a Six-Week Whole-Body Vibration Intervention on Neuromuscular Performance in Older Adults
abstract: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of eccentric training using a constant load with longer exposure time at the eccentric phase on knee extensor muscle strength and functional capacity of elderly subjects in comparison with a conventional resistance training program . Twenty-six healthy elderly women ( age = 67 ± 6 years ) were r and omly assigned to an eccentric-focused training group ( ETG ; n = 13 ) or a conventional training group ( CTG ; n = 13 ) . Subjects underwent 12 weeks of resistance training twice a week . For the ETG , concentric and eccentric phases were performed using 1.5 and 4.5 s , respectively , while for CTG , each phase lasted 1.5 s. Maximum dynamic strength was assessed by the one-repetition maximum ( 1RM ) test in the leg press and knee extension exercises , and for functional capacity , subjects performed specific tests ( 6-m walk test , timed up- and -go test , stair-climbing test , and chair-rising test ) . Both groups improved knee extension 1RM ( 24–26 % ; p = 0.021 ) , timed up- and -go test ( 11–16 % ; p < 0.001 ) , 6-m walk test ( 9–12 % ; p = 0.004 ) , stair-climbing test ( 8–13 % ; p = 0.007 ) , and chair-rising test ( 15–16 % ; p < 0.001 ) , but there was no significant difference between groups . In conclusion , the strategy of increasing the exposure time at the eccentric phase of movement using the same training volume and intensity does not promote different adaptations in strength or functional capacity compared to conventional resistance training in elderly woman Background The current recommendations on resistance training involving older adults have reported an improvement of body composition variables . Despite this , there is a lack of knowledge on how elastic resistance training ( ERT ) affects the muscle mass in older adults population . The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a short-term ERT on muscle mass of health and untrained older adults . Methods Forty older adults were r and omized into two groups of 20 individuals each : Control Group ( CG = 66.2 ± 6.6 years ) and  Training Group ( TG = 69.1 ± 6.3 years ) . TG underwent an ERT twice a week during 8 weeks and control group did not receive any specific intervention . The primary outcome was the upper and lower limbs muscle mass , measured by Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry . The secondary outcomes were knee isokinetic peak torque ( PT ) at 60 ° /s and 120 ° /s speeds and isometric h and grip strength . A 2 × 2 mixed model ( group [ TG and CG ] × time [ pre and post ] ) analysis of variance ( ANOVA ) was applied to determine the effect on primary and secondary outcomes . Results The results of the ANOVA showed no significant effects in group x time interaction for ( 1 ) upper limbs fat free mass ( F [ 1.38 ] = 1.80 , p = 0.19 , effect size [ ES ] = 0.1 ) and for ( 2 ) lower limbs fat free mass ( F [ 1.38 ] = 0.03 , p = 0.88 , ES = 0.02 ) . Regarding muscle strength , the ANOVA showed no significant effects in group x time interaction for ( 3 ) PT at 60 ° /s ( F [ 1.38 ] = 0.33 , p = 0.56 , ES = 3.0 ) , for ( 4 ) PT at 120 ° /s ( F [ 1.38 ] = 0.80 , p = 0.38 , ES = 4.1 ) and for h and grip strength ( F [ 1.38 ] = 0.65 , p = 0.42-value , ES = 0.9 ) . Analysis of PT in TG showed a significant change of 4.5 % , but only at 120 ° /s ( p = 0.01 ) when comparing pre and post-training ( time interaction ) . Conclusions Eight weeks of ERT did not show significant changes in muscle mass and strength of untrained older adults . Trial registration NCT02253615 ( 09/25/14 BACKGROUND whole-body vibration training may improve neuromuscular function , falls risk and bone density , but previous studies have had conflicting findings . OBJECTIVE this study aim ed to evaluate the influence of vertical vibration ( VV ) and side-alternating vibration ( SV ) on musculoskeletal health in older people at risk of falls . DESIGN single-blind , r and omised , controlled trial comparing vibration training to sham vibration ( Sham ) in addition to usual care . PARTICIPANTS participants were 61 older people ( 37 women and 24 men ) , aged 80.2 + 6.5 years , referred to an outpatient falls prevention service . METHODS participants were r and omly assigned to VV , SV or Sham in addition to the usual falls prevention programme . Participants were requested to attend three vibration sessions per week for 12 weeks , with sessions increasing to six , 1 min bouts of vibration . Falls risk factors and neuromuscular tests were assessed , and blood sample s collected for determination of bone turnover , at baseline and following the intervention . RESULTS chair st and time , timed-up- and -go time , fear of falling , NEADL index and postural sway with eyes open improved in the Sham group . There were significantly greater gains in leg power in the VV than in the Sham group and in bone formation in SV and VV compared with the Sham group . Conversely , body sway improved less in the VV than in the Sham group . Changes in falls risk factors did not differ between the groups . CONCLUSIONS whole-body vibration increased leg power and bone formation , but it did not provide any additional benefits to balance or fall risk factors beyond a falls prevention programme in older people at risk of falls The term “ bilateral deficit ” ( BLD ) has been used to describe a reduction in performance during bilateral contractions when compared to the sum of identical unilateral contractions . In old age , maximal isometric force production ( MIF ) decreases and BLD increases indicating the need for training interventions to mitigate this impact in seniors . In a cross-sectional approach , we examined age-related differences in MIF and BLD in young ( age : 20–30 years ) and old adults ( age : > 65 years ) . In addition , a r and omized-controlled trial was conducted to investigate training-specific effects of resistance vs. balance training on MIF and BLD of the leg extensors in old adults . Subjects were r and omly assigned to resistance training ( n = 19 ) , balance training ( n = 14 ) , or a control group ( n = 20 ) . Bilateral heavy-resistance training for the lower extremities was performed for 13 weeks ( 3 × / week ) at 80 % of the one repetition maximum . Balance training was conducted using predominately unilateral exercises on wobble boards , soft mats , and uneven surfaces for the same duration . Pre- and post-tests included uni- and bilateral measurements of maximal isometric leg extension force . At baseline , young subjects outperformed older adults in uni- and bilateral MIF ( all p < .001 ; d = 2.61–3.37 ) and in measures of BLD ( p < .001 ; d = 2.04 ) . We also found significant increases in uni- and bilateral MIF after resistance training ( all p < .001 , d = 1.8 - 5.7 ) and balance training ( all p < .05 , d = 1.3 - 3.2 ) . In addition , BLD decreased following resistance ( p < .001 , d = 3.4 ) and balance training ( p < .001 , d = 2.6 ) . It can be concluded that both training regimens result ed in increased MIF and decreased BLD of the leg extensors ( HRT-group more than BAL-group ) , almost reaching the levels of young adults Abstract This study determined the effect of 6 months of low-load very high-repetition resistance training on bone mineral density ( BMD ) and body composition in nonosteoporotic middle-aged and older women . Fifty healthy , active community-dwelling women aged 56–75 years took part in the two-group , repeated- measures r and omized controlled trial . Participants either undertook 6 months of low-load very high-repetition resistance training in the form of BodyPump ™ or served as control participants . Outcome measures included BMD at the lumbar spine , hip , and total body ; total fat mass ; fat-free soft tissue mass and maximal isotonic strength . Significant group-by-time interactions were found for lumbar spine BMD and maximal strength in favor of the BodyPump ™ group . No favorable effects were found for hip BMD , total body BMD , total fat mass , or fat-free soft tissue mass . Three participants withdrew from the intervention group due to injury or fear of injury associated with training . Under the conditions used in this research , low-load very high-repetition resistance training is effective at attenuating losses in lumbar spine BMD compared to controls in healthy , active women aged over 55 years but did not influence hip and total body BMD or fat mass and fat-free soft tissue mass Objective The main purpose of the investigation reported here was to analyze the effect of resistance training ( RT ) performed at different weekly frequencies on flexibility in older women . Participants and methods Fifty-three older women ( ≥60 years old ) were r and omly assigned to perform RT either two ( n=28 ; group “ G2x ” ) , or three ( n=25 ; group “ G3x ” ) times per week . The RT program comprised eight exercises in which the participants performed one set of 10–15 repetitions maximum for a period of 12 weeks . Anthropometric , body-composition , and flexibility measurements were made at baseline and post- study . The flexibility measurements were obtained by a fleximeter . Results A significant group-by-time interaction ( P<0.01 ) was observed for frontal hip flexion , in which G3x showed a higher increase than G2x ( + 12.8 % and + 3.0 % , respectively ) . Both groups increased flexibility in cervical extension ( G2x=+19.1 % , G3x=+20.0 % ) , right hip flexion ( G2x=+14.6 % , G3x=+15.9 % ) , and left hip flexion ( G2x=+25.7 % , G3x=+19.2 % ) , with no statistical difference between groups . No statistically significant differences were noted for the increase in skeletal muscle mass between training three versus two times a week ( + 7.4 % vs + 4.4 % , respectively ) . Conclusion Twelve weeks of RT  improves the flexibility of different joint movements in older women , and the higher frequency induces greater increases for frontal hip flexion The aim of this r and omized controlled trial was to determine the effects of 8-week exercise-intervention on cognition and related serum biochemical markers in nonagenarians . We also studied the effects of a 4-week training cessation ( ' detraining ' ) period on our study variables . Participants were r and omly allocated to a st and ard-care ( control ) or intervention ( exercise ) group [ n=20 ( 16 women)/group ] . The intervention focused on supervised , light-to-moderate-intensity aerobic and resistance exercises ( mainly leg press ) , and included 3 weekly sessions . Cognitive status was determined by the mini-mental state examination and geriatric depression scale . We analysed proteins with reported relation with mechanisms behind cognition changes such as serum levels of angiotensin converting enzyme , amyloid-precursor protein , epidermal growth factor , brain-derived neural factor and tumor necrosis factor . No significant change ( P>0.05 ) in any of the variables studied was found following the exercise intervention compared with the st and ard-care group . Similarly , no significant changes ( P>0.05 ) were observed following the detraining period compared with the st and ard-care group . Overall changes after the exercise intervention in serum biomarkers were not associated with changes in functional capacity and cognitive measures . An 8-week exercise intervention focusing on resistance exercises neither benefits cognitive function nor affects the levels of the serum proteins analysed in nonagenarians Purpose To determine if 8 weeks of periodized strength resistance training ( RT ) utilizing relatively short rest interval lengths ( RI ) in between sets ( SS ) would induce greater improvements in body composition and muscular performance , compared to the same RT program utilizing extended RI ( SL ) . Methods 22 male volunteers ( SS : n = 11 , 65.6 ± 3.4 years ; SL : n = 11 , 70.3 ± 4.9 years ) were assigned to one of two strength RT groups , following 4 weeks of periodized hypertrophic RT ( PHRT ) : strength RT with 60-s RI ( SS ) or strength RT with 4-min RI ( SL ) . Prior to r and omization , all 22 study participants trained 3 days/week , for 4 weeks , targeting hypertrophy ; from week 4 to week 12 , SS and SL followed the same periodized strength RT program for 8 weeks , with RI the only difference in their RT prescription . Results Following PHRT , all study participants experienced increases in lean body mass ( LBM ) ( p < 0.01 ) , upper and lower body strength ( p < 0.001 ) , and dynamic power ( p < 0.001 ) , as well as decreases in percentage body fat ( p < 0.05 ) . Across the 8-week strength RT phase , SS experienced significantly greater increases in LBM ( p = 0.001 ) , flat machine bench press 1-RM ( p < 0.001 ) , bilateral leg press 1-RM ( p < 0.001 ) , narrow/neutral grip lat pulldown ( p < 0.01 ) , and Margaria stair-climbing power ( p < 0.001 ) , compared to SL . Conclusions This study suggests 8 weeks of periodized high-intensity strength RT with shortened RI induces significantly greater enhancements in body composition , muscular performance , and functional performance , compared to the same RT prescription with extended RI , in older men . Applied professionals may optimize certain RT-induced adaptations , by incorporating shortened RI Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of whole-body vibration ( WBV ) training without visual feedback on balance and lower-extremity muscle strength in the elderly . Elderly subjects who did not exercise regularly participated in this study . Subjects were r and omly divided into a WBV with eyes open group , a visual feedback-deprived plus WBV ( VFDWBV ) group , and a control group ( 0 Hz , eyes open ) . WBV training was provided over a 3-month period , 3 times per week for 5 min each session . Balance performance was measured with the limits of stability test , and muscle strength was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer . A total of 45 elderly subjects with an average age of 69.22 ± 3.97 years , divided into a WBV group ( n = 14 ) , a VFDWBV group ( n = 17 ) , and a control group ( n = 14 ) , completed the trial . Statistically significant differences were found in the balance performance of the 3 groups at different time points ( time × group interaction : F = 13.213 , P < 0.001 ) , and the VFDWBV group had more improvement in balance than the WBV and control groups . The strength of the knee extensor and flexor muscles had time × group interactions : F = 29.604 , P < 0.001 and F = 4.684 , P = 0.015 , respectively ; the VFDWBV group had more improvement on lower-extremity muscle strength than the WBV and control groups . The 6-month follow-up showed that the rates of hospital visits for medical services due to falls were 0 % in the WBV group ( 0/14 ) , 0 % in the VFDWBV group ( 0/17 ) , and 28.57 % in the control group ( 4/14 ) . Results showed that WBV training at 20 Hz without visual feedback can significantly improve the balance performance and lower-extremity muscle strength of the elderly BACKGROUND We compared the effects of two uniquely different lower extremity power training interventions on changes in muscle power , physical performance , neuromuscular activation , and muscle cross sectional area in mobility-limited older adults . METHODS Fifty-two subjects ( 78±5 years , short physical performance battery score : 8.1±1 ) were r and omized to either 16 weeks of progressive high velocity resistance training performed at low external resistance ( 40 % of the 1-repetition maximum [ 1-RM ] [ LO ] ) or high external resistance ( 70 % of 1RM [ HI ] ) . Both groups completed three sets of leg and knee extension exercises at maximum voluntary velocity , two times per  week . Neuromuscular activation was assessed  using surface electromyography and muscle cross sectional area ( CSA ) was measured using computed tomography . RESULTS At 16 weeks , LO and HI exhibited significant and similar within-group increases of leg extensor peak power ( ~34 % vs ~42 % ) , strength ( ~13 % vs ~19 % ) , and SPPB score ( 1.4±0.3 vs 1.8±0.3 units ) , respectively ( all P < .03 ) . Improvements in neuromuscular activation occurred in LO ( P = .03 ) while small gains in mid-thigh muscle CSA were detected in LO ( 1.6 % , P = .35 ) and HI ( 2.1 % , P = .17 ) . No significant between-group differences were evident for any measured parameters ( all P > .25 ) . CONCLUSIONS High velocity resistance training with low external resistance yields similar improvements in muscle power and physical performance compared to training with high external resistance in mobility-limited elders . These findings may have important implication s for optimizing exercise interventions for older adults with mobility limitations The effects of 52 weeks of soccer or resistance training were investigated in untrained elderly men . The subjects aged 68.1±2.1 yrs were r and omised into a soccer ( SG ; n = 9 ) , a resistance ( RG ; n = 9 ) and a control group ( CG ; n = 8) . The subjects in SG and RG , respectively , trained 1.7±0.3 and 1.8±0.3 times weekly on average during the intervention period . Muscle function and body composition were determined before and after 16 and 52 weeks of the intervention period . In SG , BMI was reduced by 1.5 % and 3.0 % ( p<0.05 ) after 16 and 52 weeks , respectively , unchanged in RG and 2 % higher ( p<0.05 ) in CG after 52 weeks of the intervention period . In SG , the response to a glucose tolerance test was 16 % lower ( p<0.05 ) after 16 wks , but not after 52 wks , compared to before the intervention period , and unchanged in RG and CG . In SG , superoxide dismutase-2 expression was 59 % higher ( p<0.05 ) after 52 wks compared to before the intervention period , and unchanged in RG and CG . In RG , upper body lean mass was 3 and 2 % higher ( p<0.05 ) after 16 and 52 wks , respectively , compared to before the intervention period , and unchanged in SG and CG . In RG , Akt-2 expression increased by 28 % ( p<0.01 ) and follistatin expression decreased by 38 % ( p<0.05 ) during the 52-wk intervention period , and was unchanged in SG and CG . Thus , long-term soccer training  reduces BMI and improves anti-oxidative capacity , while long-term resistance training impacts muscle protein enzyme expression and  increases lean body mass in elderly men . Trial Registration Clinical Trials.gov : OBJECTIVE The aim of the Intervention by Nutrition and Exercise ( INE ) study was to investigate the effects of a mail-based intervention for sarcopenia prevention on muscle mass and anabolic hormones in community-dwelling older adults . DESIGN A cluster-r and omized controlled trial . SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS This trial recruited community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older in Japan . The 227 participants were cluster r and omized into a  walking and nutrition ( W/N ) group ( n = 79 ) , a  walking ( W ) group ( n = 71 ) , and a  control ( C ) group ( n = 77 ) . We analyzed the physical and biochemical measurements in this sub study . INTERVENTION Six months of mail-based intervention ( a pedometer-based walking program and nutritional supplementation ) . MEASUREMENTS The skeletal muscle mass index ( SMI ) using the bioelectrical impedance data acquisition system , biochemical measurements , such as those of insulinlike growth factor ( IGF-1 ) , dehydroepi and rosterone sulfate ( DHEA-S ) , and 25-hydroxy vitamin D ( 25[OH]D ) , as well as frailty , were assessed by the Cardiovascular Health Study criteria . RESULTS Participants in the W/N and W groups had significantly greater improvements in SMI , IGF-1 , and 25(OH)D ( P < .05 ) than those in the C group . Participants in the W/N group had significantly greater improvements in DHEA-S ( P < .05 ) than in the other groups . These effects were more pronounced in frail , older adults . CONCLUSION These results suggest that the mail-based walking intervention of the remote monitoring type for sarcopenia prevention can increase anabolic hormone levels and SMI in community-dwelling older adults , particularly in those who are frail The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of short term resistance exercise on neuromuscular fatigue threshold ( PWCFT ) , strength , functional performance , and body composition in older adults . Twenty-three participants ( 71.2 ± 6.0 yr ) were r and omly assigned to 6 weeks of resistance exercise ( EXE ) or control ( CONT ) . A submaximal cycle ergometer test , physical working capacity at fatigue threshold , was used to determine PWCFT . Strength was assessed with predicted leg extension 1-RM and functional performance with time to complete 5 chair rises ( CHAIR ) and walk an 8-ft course ( WALK ) . PWCFT , 1-RM and CHAIR significantly ( p<0.05 ) improved in the EXE ( 27 % , 24 % , 27 % ) compared with CONT ( -0.1 % , 7 % , 6 % ) , respectively . The results of this study suggest that short term EXE improved strength , functionality and the capacity to delay the onset of neuromuscular fatigue in older adults Objective To investigate the combined and separate effects of exercise and milk fat globule membrane ( MFGM ) supplementation on frailty , physical function , physical activity level , and hematological parameters in community-dwelling elderly Japanese women . Methods A total of 131 frail , elderly women over 75 years were r and omly assigned to one of four groups : exercise and MFGM supplementation ( Ex+MFGM ) , exercise and placebo ( Ex+Plac ) , MFGM supplementation , or the placebo group . The exercise group attended a 60-minute training program twice a week for three months , and the MFGM group ingested 1 g of the MFGM supplement in pill form , daily for 3 months . The primary outcome measure was change in frailty status based on Fried ’s frailty phenotype . Secondary outcome measures included body composition , physical function and hematological parameters , and interview survey components assessing lifestyle factors . Participants were followed for 4 months post-intervention . Results Significant group × time interactions were observed for usual walking speed ( P = 0.005 ) , timed up & go ( P<0.001 ) , and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 / insulin-like growth factor 1 ratio ( P = 0.013 ) . The frailty components revealed that weight loss , exhaustion , low physical activity , and slow walking speed were reversed , but low muscle strength did not significantly changed . Frailty reversal rate was significantly higher in the Ex+MFGM ( 57.6 % ) than in the MFGM ( 28.1 % ) or placebo ( 30.3 % ) groups at post-intervention ( χ2 = 8.827 , P = 0.032 ) , and at the follow-up was also significantly greater in the Ex+MFGM ( 45.5 % ) and Ex+Plac ( 39.4 % ) groups compared with the placebo ( 15.2 % ) group ( χ2 = 8.607 , P = 0.035 ) . The exercise+MFGM group had the highest odds ratio ( OR ) for frailty reversal at post-intervention and follow-up ( OR = 3.12 , 95 % confidence interval ( CI ) = 1.13–8.60 ; and OR = 4.67 , 95 % CI = 1.45–15.08 , respectively ) . Conclusion This study suggests that interventions including exercise and nutrition can improve frailty status . Statistically significant additive effects of MFGM with exercise could not be confirmed in this population , and further investigation in larger sample s is necessary . Trial Registration The Japan Medical Association Clinical Trial Registry The aim of this study was to compare the effect of resistance training ( RT ) performed with different frequencies followed by a detraining period on muscular strength and oxidative stress ( OS ) biomarkers in older women . Twenty-seven physically independent women ( 68.8 ± 4.8 years , 69.1 ± 14.3 kg , 156.0 ± 6.5 cm , and 28.3 ± 4.9 to kg.m−2 ) were r and omly assigned to perform a RT program for 2 or 3 days per week ( G2X = 13 vs. G3X = 14 ) for 12 weeks followed by 12 weeks of detraining period  . One repetition maximum ( 1RM ) tests were used as measures of muscular strength ( three exercises , three attempts for each exercise , 3–5 min of rest between attempts , and 5 min of rest between exercises ) . Advanced oxidized protein products ( AOPP ) and total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter ( TRAP ) were used as oxidative stress indicators . Both groups increased muscular strength after 12 weeks of training ( P < 0.05 ) in chest press ( G2X = + 11.9 % vs. G3X = + 27.5 % , P < 0.05 ) , knee extension ( G2X = + 18.4 % vs. G3X = + 16.7 % , P > 0.05 ) , and preacher curl ( G2X = + 37.6 % vs. G3X = + 36.7 % , P > 0.05 ) . On the other h and , 12 weeks of detraining were not sufficient to eliminate the major effects produced by RT on muscular strength , although a significant decrease ( P < 0.05 ) has been observed for chest press ( G3X = −9.1 % vs. G2X = −10.2 % , P > 0.05 ) , knee extension ( G2X = −14.9 % vs. G3X = −12.1 % , P > 0.05 ) , and preacher curl ( G2X = −20.5 % vs. G3X = −17.4 % , P > 0.05 ) . Pre- to post-training , both groups showed significant ( P < 0.05 ) increases in TRAP ( G2X = + 6.9 % vs. G3X = + 15.1 % ) with no statistical significant difference between the groups ( P > 0.05 ) , and the scores remained elevated compared to pre-training after 12 weeks of detraining . AOPP was not changed by RT or detraining ( P > 0.05 ) . The results suggest that a 12-week RT program with a frequency of 2 days per week may be sufficient to improve muscular strength and OS in older women and detraining for 12 weeks does not completely reverse the changes induced by RT The delivery of efficient nonpharmacological treatment to prevent the loss of muscle mass in older adults is a major challenge , and information on the combined effects of training and diet is particularly important . Here we aim ed to evaluate the effects of 24 wk of resistance training combined with a healthy dietary approach ( n-6/n-3 ratio < 2 ) in a population of healthy and physically active older women ( 65 - 70 years ) . The three-armed r and omized controlled trial included a resistance training + healthy diet group ( RT-HD ) , a resistance training group ( RT ) , and controls ( CON ) . All subjects included in the study were physically active and had low levels of serum inflammatory markers . In accordance with the dietary goals , the  n-6/n-3 ratio dietary intake significantly decreased only in RT-HD by 42 % . An increase in 1 repetition maximum in leg extension occurred in RT ( + 20.4 % ) and RT-HD ( + 20.8 % ) , but not in CON . Interestingly , leg lean mass significantly increased only in RT-HD ( + 1.8 % ) . While there were no changes in serum C-reactive protein and IL-6 levels , a significant decrease in serum level of the pro-inflammatory precursor arachidonic acid ( -5.3 ± 9.4 % ) together with an increase in serum n-3 docosahexaenoic acid ( + 8.3 % ) occurred only in RT-HD . Altogether , this study demonstrates that the effects of resistance training on muscle mass in healthy older adults can be optimized by the adoption of a healthy diet INTRODUCTION Although h and grip strength is considered a strong predictor of negative health outcomes , it is unclear whether h and grip strength represents a useful measure to evaluate changes in muscle strength following resistance-type exercise training in older people . We assessed whether measuring h and grip strength provides proper insight in the efficacy of resistance-type exercise training to increase muscle mass , strength , and physical performance in frail older people . METHODS Prefrail and frail older people ( ≥ 65 y ) were either conducting a 24-week resistance-type exercise training or no exercise training . Before , during , and after the intervention , h and grip strength ( JAMAR ) , lean body mass ( DXA ) , leg strength ( 1-RM ) , and physical performance ( SPPB ) were assessed . RESULTS H and grip strength correlated with appendicular lean mass ( r = 0.68 ; p < .001 ) and leg strength ( r = 0.67 ; p < .001 ) . After 24 weeks of whole body resistance-type exercise training , leg extension strength improved significantly better when compared with the control group ( 57 ± 2 - 78 ± 3 kg vs 57 ± 3 - 65 ± 3 kg : p < .001 ) . Moreover , physical performance improved significantly more in the exercise group ( 8.0 ± 0.4 - 9.3 ± 0.4 points ) when compared with the control group ( 8.3 ± 0.4 - 8.9 ± 0.4 points : p < .05 ) . These positive changes were not accompanied with any significant changes in h and grip strength ( 26.3 ± 1.2 - 27.6 ± 1.2 kg in the exercise group vs 26.6 ± 1.2 - 26.3 ± 1.3 kg in the control group : p = .71 ) . CONCLUSION Although h and grip strength strongly correlates with muscle mass and leg strength in frail older people , h and grip strength does not provide a valid means to evaluate the efficacy of exercise intervention programs to increase muscle mass or strength in an older population OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy of an exercise program on a whole-body vibration platform ( WBV ) in improving body balance and muscle performance and preventing falls in institutionalized elderly people . DESIGN / SETTING / PARTICIPANTS A multicentre r and omized parallel assessor-blinded clinical trial was conducted in elderly persons living in nursing homes . INTERVENTIONS Participants were r and omized to an exercise program performed either on a whole body vibratory platform ( WBV plus exercise group ) or on a stationary surface ( exercise group ) . The exercise program for both groups consisted of static and dynamic exercises ( balance and strength training over a 6-week training period of 3 sessions per week ) . The frequency applied on the vibratory platform was 30 to 35 Hz and amplitude was 2 to 4 mm . MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome measurement was static/dynamic body balance . Secondary outcomes were muscle strength and number of falls . Efficacy was analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis and per protocol . The effects of the intervention were evaluated using the t test , Mann-Whitney test , or chi-square test , depending on the type of outcome . Follow-up measurements were collected 6 weeks and 6 months after r and omization . RESULTS A total of 159 participants from 10 centers were included : 81 in the  WBV plus exercise group and 78 in the control group . Mean age was 82 years , and 67.29 % were women . The Tinetti test score showed a significant overall improvement in both groups ( P < .001 ) . No significant differences were found between groups at week 6 ( P = .890 ) or month 6 ( P = .718 ) . The Timed Up and Go test did not improve ( P = .599 ) in either group over time , and no significant differences were found between groups at week 6 ( P = .757 ) or month 6 ( P = .959 ) . Muscle performance results from the 5 Sit-To-St and tests improved significantly across time ( P = .001 ) , but no statistically significant differences were found between groups at week 6 ( P = .709 ) or month 6 ( P = .841 ) . A total of 57 falls ( 35.8 % ) were recorded during the follow-up period , with no differences between groups ( P = .406 ) . CONCLUSION Exercise program on a vibratory platform provides benefits similar to those with exercise program on a stationary surface in relation to body balance , gait , functional mobility , and muscle strength in institutionalized elderly people . Longer studies in larger sample s are needed to assess falls Background : Whole body vibration training ( WBVT ) improves muscle force in healthy subjects .  Resistance training ( RT ) is an important component of a pulmonary program . Aim : To investigate the effects of either 12 weeks WBVT or RT , both provided after 15 min of aerobic training as warming up . Methods : COPD patients , referred for pulmonary rehabilitation , were r and omized to either a WBVT or a conventional RT group . Primary outcome was the change in 6 Minute Walking Distance ( 6MWD ) after 12 weeks . Maximum exercise capacity ( Wmax ) , quadriceps force ( QF ) , quality of life ( QoL ) and number of responders , defined as the percentage of patients reaching the minimally clinical ly important difference ( MCID ) for the aforementioned outcome measurements were the secondary outcomes . Data are expressed as medians ( interquartile range ) . Results : 62 patients with COPD were included . After WBVT , 6MWD improved by 35 ( -14 - 76 ) m ( p = 0.003 ) , Wmax by 7 ( 2 - 23 ) Watt ( p = 0.001 ) , QoL by 13 ( 4 - 25 ) points ( p = 0.002 ) and QF by 9 ( -16 - 29 ) Nm ( NS ) . In the RT-group , 6MWD , Wmax , QoL and QF increased significantly , with 60 ( -13 - 96 ) m ( p < 0.001 ) , 12 ( 8 - 18 ) Watt ( p < 0.001 ) , 11 ( 3 - 16 ) points ( p = 0.002 ) and 12 ( -3 - 44 ) Nm ( p = 0.009 ) , respectively . The MCID for 6MWD ( 54 m ) was reached by 8/26 patients in the WBVT-group and by 16/25 patients in RT-group ( p = 0.05 ) . No significant differences between groups were observed for the primary and secondary outcomes . Conclusions : WBVT after 15 min aerobic training enhances 6MWD , Wmax and QoL in COPD patients ; however only 30 % of patients reached the MCID for 6MWD CONTEXT Skeletal muscle from sedentary older adults exhibits reduced mitochondrial abundance and oxidative capacity . OBJECTIVE The primary objective was to determine whether 8 weeks of combined training ( CT ) has a more robust effect than endurance training ( ET ) or resistance training ( RT ) on mitochondrial physiology in healthy young ( 18 - 30 years ) and older ( ≥ 65 years ) adults . INTERVENTION Thirty-four young and 31 older adults were r and omly assigned to 8 weeks of ET , RT , and control/CT .  Control subjects completed 8 weeks of no exercise ( control ) followed by 8 weeks of CT  . Body composition , skeletal muscle strength , and peak oxygen uptake were measured before and after the intervention . Vastus lateralis muscle biopsy sample s were obtained before and 48 hours after the intervention . Mitochondrial physiology was evaluated by high-resolution respirometry and expression of mitochondrial proteins and transcription factors by quantitative PCR and immunoblotting . RESULTS ET and CT significantly increased oxidative capacity and expression of mitochondrial proteins and transcription factors . All training modalities improved body composition , cardiorespiratory fitness , and skeletal muscle strength . CT induced the most robust improvements in mitochondria-related outcomes and physical characteristics despite lower training volumes for the ET and RT components . Importantly , most of the adaptations to training occurred independent of age . CONCLUSION Collectively , these results demonstrate that both ET and CT increase muscle mitochondrial abundance and capacity although CT induced the most robust improvements in the outcomes measured . In conclusion , CT provides a robust exercise regimen to improve muscle mitochondrial outcomes and physical characteristics independent of age BACKGROUND Little is known about the effects of resistance training ( RT ) on circulating cytokines in older adults . Also , dose-response relationships remain unclear . This study investigated the impact of RT at different external loads on circulating inflammatory mediators in older community-dwelling individuals . METHODS Fifty-six community-dwelling older ( 68 ± 5 years ) volunteers were r and omized to 12 weeks of supervised RT ( ×3/week ) at either high-resistance training [ 8 males , 10 females , 2 × 10 - 15 repetitions at 80 % 1 repetition maximum ( RM ) ] , low-resistance training ( 9 males , 10 females , 1 × 80 - 100 repetitions at 20 % 1 RM ) , or mixed low-resistance training ( 9 males , 10 females , 1 × 60 repetitions at 20 % 1 RM followed by 1 × 10 - 20 repetitions at 40 % 1 RM ) . Serum was available from 51 out of 56 participants at baseline and after 12 weeks for determination of interleukin (IL)-6 , IL-8 , IL-10 , IL-1β , soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (sTNFR)1 , granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor , and IL-1 receptor antagonist ( ra ) . RESULTS Twelve weeks of RT significantly increased sTNFR1 from 2.48 ± 0.57 ng/mL to 2.58 ± 0.59 ng/mL ( overall time-effect P = .033 ) and Log IL-8 from 0.38 ± 0.18 pg/mL to 0.53 ± 0.32 pg/mL ( overall time-effect P = .007 ) . No time X group interaction ( P = .916 ) was observed . In males of the high-resistance training group , there was an increase in Log IL-8 ( from 0.45 ± 0.16 pg/mL to 0.68 ± 0.19 pg/mL ; P = .005 ) and IL-1ra ( from 68.60 ± 24.12 pg/mL to 79.56 ± 29.07 pg/mL ; P = .007 ) . No significant changes were found for the other markers . CONCLUSIONS Our results show that 12 weeks of supervised RT induced an overall significant increase of circulating IL-8 and sTNFR1 , independently from the external load applied . We suggest that exercising until volitional fatigue is the main trigger for exercise-induced responses . However , training at high external load also increased anti-inflammatory IL-1ra in male participants , which might be beneficial in combating low- grade inflammation Skeletal muscle quadriceps low-frequency fatigue ( LFF ) during exercise promotes improvements in exercise capacity with exercise training . In healthy subjects , eccentric muscle work induced by downhill walking ( DW ) generates higher muscular stress , whilst metabolic cost is lower compared to level walking ( LW ) . We investigated quadriceps LFF and metabolic cost of DW in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease . Ten participants ( 67 ± 7 years , FEV1 51 ± 15 % predicted ) performed  DW , DW carrying a load ( DWL ) of 10 % body weight via vest and LW , in r and om order . Quadriceps potentiated twitch force ( TWqpot ) was assessed before and after each walk , and muscle damage was assessed before and 24 hours after each walk via serum creatine kinase ( CK ) levels . Ventilation ( VE ) and oxygen consumption ( VO2 ) were measured via breath-by-breath analysis during each walk . DW and DWL result ed in a greater decrease in TWqpot ( −30 ± 14 N in DW , p < 0.05 ; and −22 ± 16 N in DWL , p < 0.05 ) compared to LW ( −3 ± 21 N , p > 0.05 ) . CK levels only increased 24 hours following DW and DWL ( p < 0.05 ) . DW and DWL showed lower VE and VO2 than LW ( p < 0.05 ) . DW is associated with enhanced quadriceps LFF and lower cardiorespiratory costs than LW . The addition of a chest load to DW does not seem to enhance these effects PURPOSE The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week home-based bench step exercise program on inflammatory cytokines and lipid profiles in elderly females . METHODS Sixty-two postmenopausal females ( 65 - 85 years of age ) were r and omized to either the bench step exercise group ( n=31 ) or the control group ( n=31 ) . The subjects in the bench step exercise group were instructed to perform bench step exercises at the exercise intensity corresponding to lactate threshold ( LT ) , three times per day 10 - 20 min each session , for a goal of ≥140 min/week at home for 12 weeks . At baseline and 12 weeks , circulating levels of nine inflammatory cytokines ( high-molecular-weight adiponectin , interleukin-4 [ IL-4 ] , IL-5 , IL-6 , IL-8 , IL-15 , tumor necrosis factor-α [ TNF-α ] , TNF-β and interferon-γ [ IFN-γ ] ) and serum lipids including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( HDL-C ) were measured . RESULTS The bench step training at the LT significantly increased HDL-C levels and decreased IFN-γ concentrations in the subjects with lower ( < 63 mg/dL ) baseline HDL-C levels ( p<0.05 ) . The change in IFN-γ inversely correlated with the change in HDL-C in the exercise group ( ρ=-0.56 , p<0.01 ) , whereas this association was not observed in the control group . Additionally , principal component analysis -derived index of what we called " inflammatory status factor " was inversely associated with the changes in HDL-C in the exercise group . CONCLUSION The bench step exercise-induced  reduction in the IFN-γ levels may partially explain the degree of improvement in the HDL-C levels with the exercise program This study evaluates the separate effect and retention of 12-week traditional ( TE ) and horse ( HE ) exercise programs on physical function in healthy older participants ( 61 to 87 years old ) . Thirty-eight participants were r and omly assigned to three groups : TE ( n = 17 ) , HE ( n = 10 ) , and control group ( n = 11 ) . TE and HE underwent a supervised exercise program ( 3 day/week ) . Maximal gait speed , muscle strength , and body balance were assessed at weeks 0 , 12 , and 16 . Only TE and HE displayed significant improvements ( P < .05 ) in knee extensor strength , and only HE had faster gait speed . Marginal balance improvements were found only in HE in the medial-lateral direction . However , TE showed larger improvements in h and grip than HE . The largest retention was in knee extensor strength but most of the exercise effects were lost in the follow-up . Besides TE , exercise with a horse may be an alternative option to older adults , provided that they want to interact with the animal Purpose Older cancer survivors are a vulnerable population due to an increased risk for chronic diseases ( e.g. , cardiovascular disease ) compounded with treatment late-effects and declines in physical functioning . Therefore , interventions that reduce chronic disease risk factors ( i.e. , blood pressure , chronic inflammation , and cortisol ) are important in this population . Tai chi chih ( TCC ) is a mind-body exercise associated with reductions in chronic disease risk factors , but has not been examined with older cancer survivors . In a feasibility r and omized controlled trial of TCC , we examined secondary outcomes of blood pressure , salivary cortisol , and inflammatory cytokines ( interleukin (IL)-6 , IL-12 , tumor necrosis factor-α , IL-10 , IL-4 ) due to their implication s in chronic diseases . Methods Sixty-three senior female cancer survivors ( M age = 67 years , SD = 7.15 ) with physical functioning limitations ( SF-12 physical functioning ≤80 or role-physical ≤72 ) were r and omized to 12-weeks ( 60-min , three times a week ) of TCC or Health Education control ( HEC ) classes . Resting blood pressure , 1-day salivary cortisol sample s , and fasting plasma sample s for cytokine multiplex assays were collected at baseline and 1-week post-intervention . Results Controlling for baseline values , the TCC group had significantly lower systolic blood pressure ( SBP , p = 0.002 ) and cortisol area-under-curve ( AUC , p = 0.02 ) at post-intervention than the HEC group . There was no intervention effect on inflammatory cytokines ( p ’s > 0.05 ) . Conclusions This TCC feasibility trial was associated with significant reductions in SBP and cortisol AUC in senior female cancer survivors . Larger , definitive trials are needed to confirm these findings . Implication s for Cancer SurvivorsSenior survivors ’ have an increased risk for chronic diseases ; however , TCC interventions may help reduce associated risk factors This study aim ed to investigate the effects of training on health-related quality of life ( HRQoL ) , body composition , and function in older adults . Fifty participants were r and omized into aerobic training ( AT—70%-80 % HRreserve ) , resistance training ( RT—80 % 1RM ) , or controls . They had HRQoL , body composition , and function assessed before and after 8 months . Training groups reduced body fat , increased performance in the stair ascent , 8-ft up- and -go and sit-to-st and five-times tests , and improved their physical component score ( PCS ; p ≤ .03 ) . AT increased performance in the 6MWT test , and improved general and mental health ( MH ) domains when compared to controls ( p < .01 ) . Finally , changes in stair ascent were associated with changes in bodily pain , MH , and mental component score ( p ≤ .04 ) , while changes in h and grip strength were associated with changes in physical role and MH ( p = .03 ) . AT and RT were effective interventions for decreasing body fat and improving functionality and the PCS in older adults Muscle adaptations can be induced by high-resistance exercise . Despite being potentially more suitable for older adults , low-resistance exercise protocol s have been less investigated . We compared the effects of high- and low-resistance training on muscle volume , muscle strength , and force-velocity characteristics . Fifty-six older adults were r and omly assigned to 12 weeks of leg press and leg extension training at either HIGH ( 2 × 10 - 15 repetitions at 80 % of one repetition maximum ( 1RM ) ) , LOW ( 1 × 80 - 100 repetitions at 20 % of 1RM ) , or LOW+ ( 1 × 60 repetitions at 20 % of 1RM , followed by 1 × 10 - 20 repetitions at 40 % of 1RM ) . All protocol s ended with muscle failure . Leg press and leg extension of 1RM  were measured at baseline and post intervention and before the first training session in weeks 5 and 9 . At baseline and post intervention , muscle volume ( MV ) was measured by CT-scan . A Biodex dynamometer evaluated knee extensor static peak torque in different knee angles ( PT(stat90 ° ) , PT(stat120 ° ) , PT(stat150 ° ) ) , dynamic peak torque at different speeds ( PT(dyn60 ° s)(-1 ) , PT(dyn180 ° s)(-1 ) , PT(dyn240 ° s)(-1 ) ) , and speed of movement at 20 % ( S20 ) , 40 % ( S40 ) , and 60 % ( S60 ) of PTstat90 ° . HIGH and LOW+ result ed in greater improvements in 1RM strength than LOW ( p<0.05 ) . These differences were already apparent after week 5 . Similar gains were found between groups in MV , PT(stat ) , PT(dyn60 ° s)(-1 ) , and PT(dyn180 ° s)(-1 ) . No changes were reported in speed of movement . HIGH tended to improve PT(dyn240 ° s)(-1 ) more than LOW or LOW+ ( p=0.064 ) . In conclusion , high- and low-resistance exercises ending with muscle failure may be similarly effective for hypertrophy . High-resistance training led to a higher increase in 1RM strength  than low-resistance training ( 20 % of 1RM ) , but this difference disappeared when using a mixed low-resistance protocol in which the resistance was intensified within a single exercise set ( 40 % of 1RM ) . Our findings support the need for more research on  low-resistance programs in older age , in particular long-term training studies and studies focusing on residual effects after training cessation OBJECTIVES To investigate whether functionally based resistance exercise could improve strength , physical function , and disability among prostate cancer survivors ( PCS ) on and rogen deprivation therapy ( ADT ) ; and to explore potential mediators of changes in outcomes from exercise . DESIGN R and omized controlled trial . SETTING Academic medical center . PARTICIPANTS PCS ( N=51 ; mean age , 70.2y ) on ADT . INTERVENTION PCS were r and omized to moderate to vigorous intensity resistance training or stretching ( placebo control ) for 1 year . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Maximal leg press and bench press strength , objective and self-reported physical function , and self-reported disability . Hierarchical linear modeling was used to test for significant group × time differences adjusting for covariates . RESULTS Retention in the study was 84 % , and median attendance to supervised classes was 84 % in the resistance group . No study -related injuries occurred . Maximal leg strength ( P=.032 ) and bench press strength ( P=.027 ) were improved after 1 year of resistance training , whereas little change occurred from stretching .  Self-reported physical function improved with resistance training , whereas decreases occurred from stretching ( P=.016 ) . Disability lessened more with resistance training than stretching ( P=.018 ) . One-year change in leg press strength mediated the relation between groups ( resistance or stretching ) and 1-year change in self-reported disability ( P<.05 ) . CONCLUSIONS One year of resistance training improved muscle strength in and rogen-deprived PCS . Strengthening muscles using functional movement patterns may be an important feature of exercise programs design ed to improve perceptions of physical function and disability . Findings from this study contribute to the mounting evidence that exercise should become a routine part of clinical care in older men with advanced prostate cancer BACKGROUND The frailty syndrome is as a well-established condition of risk for disability . Aim of the study is to explore whether a physical activity ( PA ) intervention can reduce prevalence and severity of frailty in a community-dwelling elders at risk of disability . METHODS Exploratory analyses from the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders pilot , a r and omized controlled trial enrolling 424 community-dwelling persons ( mean age=76.8 years ) with sedentary lifestyle and at risk of mobility disability . Participants were r and omized to a 12-month PA intervention versus a successful aging education group . The frailty phenotype ( ie , ≥3 of the following defining criteria : involuntary weight loss , exhaustion , sedentary behavior , slow gait speed , poor h and grip strength ) was measured at baseline , 6 months , and 12 months . Repeated measures generalized linear models were conducted . RESULTS A significant ( p = .01 ) difference in frailty prevalence was observed at 12 months in the PA intervention group ( 10.0 % ; 95 % confidence interval = 6.5 % , 15.1 % ) , relative to the successful aging group ( 19.1 % ; 95 % confidence interval = 13.9%,15.6 % ) . Over follow-up , in comparison to successful aging participants , the mean number of frailty criteria in the PA group was notably reduced for younger subjects , blacks , participants with frailty , and those with multimorbidity . Among the frailty criteria , the sedentary behavior was the one most affected by the intervention . CONCLUSIONS Regular PA may reduce frailty , especially in individuals at higher risk of disability . Future studies should be aim ed at testing the possible benefits produced by multidomain interventions on frailty BACKGROUND Aging is associated with decline in physical function that could result in the development of physical impairment and disability . Hence , interventions that simultaneously challenge balance ability , trunk ( core ) and extremity strength of older adults could be particularly effective in preserving and enhancing these physical functions . OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of feedback-based balance and core resistance training utilizing the a special computer-controlled device ( Huber ® ) with the conventional Pilates training on balance ability , neuromuscular function and body composition of healthy older women . METHODS Thirty-four older women ( age : 70±4 years ) were r and omly assigned to a  Huber group ( n=17 ) or Pilates group  ( n=17 ) . Both groups trained for 8 weeks , 3 times a week . Maximal isometric strength of the trunk flexors , extensors , and lateral flexors , leg power , upper-body strength , single- and dual-task static balance , and body composition were measured before and after the intervention programs . RESULTS Significant group × time interactions and main effects of time ( p<0.05 ) were found for body composition , balance ability in st and ard and dual-task conditions , all trunk muscle strength variables , and leg power in favor of the Huber group . The observed improvements in balance ability under both st and ard and dual-task conditions in the Huber group were mainly the result of enhanced postural control in medial-lateral direction ( p<0.05 ) . CONCLUSION Feedback-based balance and core resistance training proved to be more effective in improving single- and dual-task balance ability , trunk muscle strength , leg power , and body composition of healthy older women than the traditional Pilates training Background and aims Decline in muscle endurance and strength as well as attenuated cardiac function with aging not only leads to overall physical function decline but also has a close relationship with cardiovascular disease occurrence . This study examined the effects of an 8-week combined training program ( i.e. , consisting of both aerobic and resistance training ) on body composition , isokinetic strength , and cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) risk factors in older women . Methods Nineteen women , aged 65–75 years , were r and omly assigned to either a combined training ( CT , n = 9 ) or an aerobic training ( AT , n = 10 ) group . Body composition and isokinetic strength were assessed before and after the exercise program . Blood sample s were collected to identify CVD risk factors . Results At the end of the training program , body mass , body fat mass , percent body fat , and body mass index decreased significantly and lean mass increased significantly in the CT group compared with those in the AT group ( p < 0.05 ) . Isokinetic strength was also significantly greater in the CT group than in the AT group ( p < 0.05 ) . In addition , the C-reactive protein level was significantly lower in the CT group than in the AT group , whereas interleukin-6 , tumor necrosis factor-α , and total cholesterol levels were significantly lower in both groups ( p < 0.05 ) . Conclusions An 8-week combined exercise program  benefits body composition , especially lean mass , and positively affects isokinetic strength and CVD risk factors . Therefore , increasing lean mass and strength by continuously participating in a combined exercise program may be an effective treatment for preventing and improving CVD in older women There is a relationship between high levels of inflammatory markers and low adhesion to the practice of physical activity in the older population . The objective of the present study was to compare the effect of two types of exercise programs , i.e. , aerobic training and aerobic plus resistance training on the plasma levels of interleukin-6 ( IL-6 ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha ( TNF-α ) of elderly hypertensive subjects . Hypertensive older volunteers in use of antihypertensive drugs were r and omized to three groups : aerobic group ( AG ) , resistance and aerobic group ( RAG ) and control group ( CG ) . Training lasted 10 weeks , with sessions held three times a week . Blood sample s were collected before training and 24 h after completion of the 30 sessions for the determination of serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels . Body mass index was obtained before and after 10 weeks . After intervention , BMI values were lower in AG and RAG compared to CG ( p < 0.001 ) , IL-6 was reduced in AG compared to CG ( p = 0.04 ) , and TNF-α levels were lower only in RAG compared to CG ( p = 0.01 ) . Concluding , both types of training were effective in reducing BMI values in hypertensive older subjects . Aerobic exercise produced the reduction of plasma IL-6 levels . However , the combination of aerobic and resistance exercise , which would be more indicated for the prevention of loss of functionality with aging , showed lower TNF-α mediator after training than control group and a greater fall of TNF-α levels associated to higher BMI reduction The aim of this present study was to investigate on the effects of concurrent training with blood flow restriction ( BFR-CT ) and concurrent training ( CT ) on the aerobic fitness , muscle mass and muscle strength in a cohort of older individuals . 25 healthy older adults ( 64.7±4.1 years ; 69.33±10.8 kg ; 1.6±0.1 m ) were r and omly assigned to experimental groups : CT ( n=8 , endurance training ( ET ) , 2 days/week for 30 - 40 min , 50 - 80 % VO(2peak ) and RT , 2 days/week , leg press with 4 sets of 10 reps at 70 - 80 % of 1-RM with 60 s rest ) , BFR-CT ( n=10 , ET , similar to CT , but resistance training with blood flow restriction : 2 days/week , leg press with 1 set of 30 and 3 sets of 15 reps at 20 - 30 % 1-RM with 60 s rest ) or control group ( n=7 ) . Quadriceps cross-sectional area ( CSAq ) , 1-RM and VO(2peak ) were assessed pre- and post-examination ( 12 wk ) . The CT and BFR-CT showed similar increases in CSAq post-test ( 7.3 % , P<0.001 ; 7.6 % , P<0.0001 , respectively ) , 1-RM ( 38.1 % , P<0.001 ; 35.4 % , P=0.001 , respectively ) and VO(2peak ) ( 9.5 % , P=0.04 ; 10.3 % , P=0.02 , respectively ) . The BFR-CT promotes similar neuromuscular and cardiorespiratory adaptations as CT BACKGROUND Arterial stiffness have shown an independent predictive value for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality . OBJECTIVE This study sought to evaluate the effects of an 8-week exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation program ( ECR ) on arterial stiffness , and on inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers . Additionally , it was assessed two potential confounding variables , daily physical activity and dietary intake . METHODS In this parallel-group trial , 96 patients ( 56 ± 10 years ) were r and omized to either  the exercise group ( EG ) or control group (  CG ) 4 weeks after suffering acute myocardial infa rct ion ( MI ) .  ECR consisted of 8 weeks of aerobic exercise at 70 - 85 % of maximal heart rate during 3 sessions weekly , plus usual care . CG participants received only usual care . Baseline and final assessment s included arterial stiffness through carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity ( cf-PWV ) , inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers , daily physical activity , and dietary intake . ( Clinical Trials.gov : NCT01432639 ) . RESULTS After 8 weeks , no significant changes were found between groups in cf-PWV , inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers , daily physical activity , or dietary intake . Excluding those patients ( n = 7 ) who did not attend , at least 80 % of the exercise sessions provided similar results , excepting a significant reduction in cf-PWV in the EG compared to the CG . CONCLUSIONS A short-term ECR does not seem to reduce arterial stiffness and inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers of post-MI patients under optimized medication . Nevertheless , the decrease of cf-PWV observed in the EG , when considering only those patients who attended at least 80 % of exercise sessions , warrants further investigation IMPORTANCE In older adults reduced mobility is common and is an independent risk factor for morbidity , hospitalization , disability , and mortality . Limited evidence suggests that physical activity may help prevent mobility disability ; however , there are no definitive clinical trials examining whether physical activity prevents or delays mobility disability . OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that a long-term structured physical activity program is more effective than a health education program ( also referred to as a successful aging program ) in reducing the risk of major mobility disability . DESIGN , SETTING , AND PARTICIPANTS The Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders ( LIFE ) study was a multicenter , r and omized trial that enrolled participants between February 2010 and December 2011 , who participated for an average of 2.6 years . Follow-up ended in December 2013 . Outcome assessors were blinded to the intervention assignment . Participants were recruited from urban , suburban , and rural communities at 8 centers throughout the United States . We r and omized a volunteer sample of 1635 sedentary men and women aged 70 to 89 years who had physical limitations , defined as a score on the Short Physical Performance Battery of 9 or below , but were able to walk 400 m. INTERVENTIONS Participants were r and omized to a structured , moderate-intensity physical activity program ( n = 818 ) conducted in a center ( twice/wk ) and at home ( 3 - 4 times/wk ) that included aerobic , resistance , and flexibility training activities or to a health education program ( n = 817 ) consisting of workshops on topics relevant to older adults and upper extremity stretching exercises . MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was major mobility disability objective ly defined by loss of ability to walk 400 m. RESULTS Incident major mobility disability occurred in 30.1 % ( 246 participants ) of the physical activity group and 35.5 % ( 290 participants ) of the health education group ( hazard ratio [ HR ] , 0.82 [ 95 % CI , 0.69 - 0.98 ] , P = .03).Persistent mobility disability was experienced by 120 participants ( 14.7 % ) in the physical activity group and 162 participants ( 19.8 % ) in the health education group ( HR , 0.72 [ 95 % CI , 0.57 - 0.91 ] ; P = .006 ) . Serious adverse events were reported by 404 participants ( 49.4 % ) in the physical activity group and 373 participants ( 45.7 % ) in the health education group ( risk ratio , 1.08 [ 95 % CI , 0.98 - 1.20 ] ) . CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE A structured , moderate-intensity physical activity program compared with a health education program reduced major mobility disability over 2.6 years among older adults at risk for disability . These findings suggest mobility benefit from such a program in vulnerable older adults . TRIAL REGISTRATION clinical trials.gov Identifier : NCT01072500 Abstract Perchthaler , D , Grau , S , and Hein , T. Evaluation of a 6-week whole-body vibration intervention on  neuromuscular performance in older adults . J Strength Cond Res 29(1 ) : 86–95 , 2015— Research in the field of whole-body vibration ( WBV ) for the enhancement of neuromuscular performance is becoming increasingly popular . However , additional underst and ing of optimal WBV training protocol s is still necessary to develop optimal and effective training and prevention concepts , especially for elderly people . The intention of this study was to evaluate a 6-week WBV intervention program based on optimal vibration loads adapted from the literature on lower-limb strength parameters and performance , as well as on perceived exertion according to a subjective rating . A total of 21 older adults were allocated r and omly into either a WBV training or control group ( CO ) . Before and after the intervention period , jump height was measured during a countermovement jump . In addition , isolated isokinetic maximal knee extension and flexion strength , mean power , and work were recorded using a motor-driven dynamometer . Borg 's scale for rating of perceived exertion was used to evaluate the intensity of WBV exercises within each training session . After the intervention period , jump height increased by 18.55 % ( p < 0.001 ) in the WBV group , whereas values of the CO remained unchanged . There were no statistically significant differences in isokinetic maximal strength , mean power , or work values in knee extension or flexion ( all p > 0.05 ) . Finally , the subjective perceived exertion of the WBV exercises and respective training parameters ranged between moderate rating levels of 7 and 13 of Borg 's scale . Our data show that WBV is a feasible and safe training program for elderly people to increase multijoint strength performance of the lower limbs during a countermovement jump . This could help to determine the potential of WBV programs in training of the elderly to prevent age-related reduction of neuromuscular performance
target: In frail older persons , moderate-to-large beneficial exercise effects were noted on inflammation , muscle strength and physical functioning .
  In healthy older persons , effects of resistance training ( most frequently investigated ) on inflammation or muscle strength can be influenced by the exercise modalities ( intensity and rest interval between sets ) .
  Muscle strength seemed the most frequently used outcome measure , with moderate-to-large effects obtained regardless the exercise intervention studied .
  Similar effects were found in patients with specific diseases .
  Summary Exercise has moderate-to-large effects on muscle strength , body composition , physical functioning and inflammation in older adults .
background: Purpose of review This systematic review reports the most recent literature regarding the effects of physical exercise on  muscle strength , body composition , physical functioning and inflammation in older adults .