Resistance Training and Sleep in the Elderly

Centro de Estudos em Psicobiologia e Exercício, Centro de Estudo Multidisciplinar em Sonolência e Acidentes - CEMSA, Instituto do Sono, Associação Fundo de Incentivo à Pesquisa

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of a session of resistance training on the sleep patterns of elderly people. Methods: Forty men aged 65 to 80 years, sedentary and clinically healthy were divided into two groups: the control group (n=18) and the resistance group (n=22). Both groups underwent two polysomnography tests, one at baseline and another after either a resistance training session (One Repetition Maximum - Strength Test, resistance group) or without physical exercise (control group).

Upon completion of the baseline polysomnography (PSG), volunteers underwent body composition evaluations (total body mass, height and body mass index calculation) to characterize the sample. Three familiarization sessions were conducted with the exercise machines used in the study, and one repetition maximum test (1 RM) was completed in order to quantify the training session load. A PSG test was conducted on the same day of the exercise session for the resistance group, and the control group had a second PSG without exercise to compare the groups at both times. The body composition assessment, the adaptations to the exercises and the training sessions were held at the Center for Psychobiology and Exercise Studies.

After the adaptation sessions, volunteers underwent a session of resistance training at 60% of 1 RM organized as follows: 3 sets of 10 to 12 repetitions on each exercise machine with a 1 minute and 30 second interval between each set and an interval of 2 minutes between each exercise machine, giving a total duration of training between 50 and 60 minutes. The sequence of exercise machines used was alternated by body segment. The sessions were performed at the same time of day (morning) under controlled temperature conditions (24 ± 21C).

Inclusion Criteria: male gender sedentary lifestyle age between 65 and 80 years clinically good health (able to practice physical exercise) Exclusion Criteria: known diseases of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and musculoskeletal systems, diabetes profession in the field of physical exercise use of sleep medication disqualification based upon the clinical examination

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