Chronic Effects of Different Types of Neuromuscular Training on Hemodynamic Responses Estimated VO(2max), and Walking Performance in Older People

This paper investigated the effects over time of different forms of neuromuscular training on hemodynamic responses, the estimated VO(2max), and walking performance. 105 older adults were randomly organized into three groups: RG(A), RG(B), and the Control Group (CG). RG(A) and RG(B) did 4 weeks of adaptation phase training and 12 weeks of intervention with different loads: moderate loads for RG(B). and higher loads for RG(A). A pre- and post-evaluation of the resting heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), double product (DP), estimated VO(2max), and walking performance were assessed. Significant differences were observed for SBP, DBP, HR, and DP. For SBP, a post-evaluation reduction was observed only in RG(A) (p = 0.007) and when comparing RG(A) with the Control Group (p < 0.000). For the absolute VO(2max,) a significant improvement was seen in RG(B) compared to RG(A) (p = 0.037) and CG (p < 0.000). For the relative VO(2max,) RG(B) scored significantly higher than RG(A) (p < 0.000) and CG (p < 0.000), post-intervention. For the walk test, a significant reduction in completion times was observed for RG(A) (p = 0.027) and RG(B) (p < 0.000), and for RG(B) compared to RG(A) (p = 0.000) and CG (p < 0.000). Resistance training can be an excellent strategy for hemodynamic and cardiorespiratory improvement in the elderly.