Concurrent cardiovascular and resistance training in healthy older adults

Purpose: The recommendations for exercise training and physical activity fo r older adults include cardiovascular and resistance training components (C VT and RT, respectively). The purpose of the present investigation was to c ompare the fitness benefits of concurrent CVT and RT with those attained th rough an equivalent duration of CVT or RT alone. Methods: Thirty-six partic ipants (ages 60-84) were assigned to a control group or to one of three exe rcise treatment groups. The treatment groups exercised three times per week for 12 wk using RT (N = 11), CVT (N = 10), or CVT and RT (BOTH, N = 9). Pr e- and post-training, participants performed a submaximal exercise test (GX T), five repetition-maximum strength tests (5RM), and the AAHPERD functiona l fitness test for older adults. Results: All exercise treatment groups rev ealed lower resting heart rate and rate-pressure product; lower exercise di astolic blood pressure and rating of perceived exertion; increased GXT dura tion; increased leg, back, and shoulder 5RM scores; and improved AAHPERD fl exibility, coordination, and cardiovascular endurance scores. The exercise treatment groups responded differently on the following: RT and BOTH enhanc ed arm and chest strength more than CVT; and BOTH enhanced AAHPERD strength and agility scores more than CVT or RT. Conclusions: Concurrent CVT and RT is as effective in eliciting improvements in cardiovascular fitness and 5R M performance as CVT or RT, respectively. Moreover, incorporating both CVT and RT in exercise programs for older adults may be more effective in optim izing aspects of functional fitness than programs that involve only one com ponent.