Study of the Long-term Effects of Exercise on Heath Indicators in Older People

A Randomised Longitudinal Study of Exercise Prescription for Older Adults: Mode and Intensity to Induce the Highest Cardiovascular Health-related Benefits

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent the most frequent cause of death among the elderly population. Hypertension, unfavorable lipid profile, obesity and physical inactivity are among the main risk factors for CVD. In contrast, mortality from CVD is inversely related to levels of physical activity, and is lower in individuals who exercise and have higher functional fitness levels. Thus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American College of Sports Medicine, and the American Heart Association have recommended 20-30 min of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic training for the elderly, preferably every day or at least 3 days a week in the case of vigorous exercise.The same organizations also suggest the inclusion of resistance training in order to improve functional fitness. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare different exercise modalities in long-term changes of CVD risk factors and physical fitness among older adults.

Hypertension With Complications and Secondary Hypertension, Overweight and Obesity, Lipid Metabolism Disorders, Sarcopenia, Osteoporosis, Personal Satisfaction

Descriptive frequency of the number of cardiovascular risk factors aggregated in each participant. The risk factors considered were: (i) hypertension; (ii) obesity; and (iii) dyslipidemia.

Descriptive frequency of the number of participants who took ≥12 seconds to complete the Timed Get-up and Go test, and those who took less than 12 seconds (low risk of falling).

Inclusion Criteria: Older adults living independently; medical approval. Exclusion Criteria: Non-smokers; Non-morbidly obese; No history of severe hypertension; No history of falls; No orthopaedic, neurological, pulmonary, or cardiac problems.

Research Center in Sport Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development; University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro

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