Cardiovascular Function, Body Composition, hs-CRP, and Physical Fitness in Older Adults: Effects of Two Training

In this study we aimed to verify the effects of training on cardiovascular function, body composition, high-sensitive C - reactive protein (hs-CRP), and physical fitness of older adults. Fifty-four subjects were randomly allocated into Aerobic Training (AT), Strength Training (ST), or Waiting List (WL). Heart Rate Variability (HRV), Blood Pressure (BP), body composition (DXA), hs-CRP, and fitness (6MWT) were assessed at baseline and after a four-month intervention. To detect changes within groups (before vs. after) the paired t-test was employed. General linear models were used with time (before and after interventions/observation) as a within-subject factor, Group (ST, AT and WL) as a between-subjects factor, and gender as a covariate (P<0.05). After intervention, AT and ST demonstrated a better performance in 6MWT (+43.3m; +31.5m) and lower body fat (-1.5%; -1.2%), trunk fat (-0.9kg; -0.8kg), and systolic BP (-13.1mmHg; -8.7mmHg), additionally, AT lowered diastolic BP (-3.7mmHg). Excluding systolic and diastolic BP (-6.4mmHg; -3.1mmHg), no differences were observed in WL. These data suggest that four months of AT or ST can reduce total and trunk fat content and improve aerobic fitness in older adults. However, training has no effect on HRrest, HRV, and hs-CRP.