Exploring Potential Benefits of Accumulated Multicomponent-Training in Non-Active Older Adults: From Physical Fitness to Mental Health

Abstract

The present study aimed to analyze the impact of a multicomponent training (MCT) program in a group of non-active older adults, comparing two different dose distributions. Twenty-four individuals, assigned to two groups, completed 15 weeks of MCT (2 days/week). The continuous group (CMCT; n = 14, 9 females; 71.07 ± 5.09 years) trained for 60 min/session in the morning. The accumulated group (AMCT; n = 10, 5 females; 72.70 ± 3.59 years) performed the same exercises, volume, and intensity, but the training was distributed twice per day (30 min in the morning; 30 more in the afternoon). Bonferroni post hoc comparisons revealed significant (p < 0.001) and similar large improvements in both groups in lower limb strength (five times sit-to-stand test: CMCT, 12.55 ± 2.83 vs. 9.44 ± 1.72 s; AMCT, 10.37 ± 2.35 vs. 7.46 ± 1.75 s). In addition, there were large gains in preferred walking speed and instrumental daily life activities, which were higher for CMCT and AMCT, respectively (in this order: 1.00 ± 0.18 vs. 1.44 ± 0.26 m/s and 1.09 ± 0.80 vs. 1.58 ± 0.18 m/s; 33.07 ± 2.88 vs. 36.57 ± 1.65 points and 32.80 ± 1.93 vs. 36.80 ± 0.92 points); improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, now moderate for CMCT (474.14 ± 93.60 vs. 529.64 ± 82.76 m) and large for AMCT (515.10 ± 20.24 vs. 589.60 ± 40.38 m); and medium and similar enhancements in agility in both groups (TUG test: CMCT: 7.49 ± 1.11 vs. 6.77 ± 1.16 s; AMCT: 6.84 ± 1.01 vs. 6.18 ± 0.62 s). None of the protocols had an impact on the executive function, whereas health-related quality of life showed a trend to significance in the whole sample only (EQindex overall sample, p = 0.062; d = 0.48 CMCT; d = 0.34 AMCT). Regardless of the type of dose distribution, starting multicomponent training improves physical function in non-active older adults, but does not improve cognitive function at mid-term. Because both forms of MCT showed similar compliance, slightly positive differences in accumulated strategies may indicate some benefits related to breaking afternoon sedentary behaviors, which deserves further research in longer and larger interventions. The mixed nature of MCT suggests accumulative group interventions may be a promising approach to address sedentary aging.

Three-Month vs. One-Year Detraining Effects after Multicomponent Exercise Program in Hypertensive Older Women

“…The METP resulted in the improvement of the study of health profiles of older women, similar to a study by Douda et al [ 28 ] that reported increases in muscular strength, cardiorespiratory capacity and flexibility after periods of nine months of METP over five years and in the same direction as Monteagudo et al [ 29 ] and Bezerra et al [ 30 ]. Sobrinho et al [ 20 ] showed only 14 weeks of an METP combined with flexibility training is enough to promote increases in the flexibility of inactive older women and improvements in blood pressure.…”

Effects of semi-immersive virtual reality exercise on the quality of life of community-dwelling older adults: Three-month follow-up of a randomized controlled trial

“…Furthermore, participation in multimodal exercise is an important strategy for maintaining mental health in older adults. 24 , 25 A 24-month intervention with a 2-year follow-up showed that multi-component exercise improved the physical and psychological dimensions of quality of life in older adults with diabetes. 26 Similarly, a 12-week multimodal exercise intervention was found to be effective in improving quality of life in older adults with balance disorders.…”

The Effects of Using a Low-Cost and Easily Accessible Exercise Toolkit Incorporated to the Governmental Health Program on Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Quasi-Experimental Study

“…In addition, parts of them were conducted with a single-group study design [ 19 , 20 , 24 ], and diverse outcome measures and various program contents used among these studies made consistent results difficult [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ]. Another, according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and systematic review recommendations, the multicomponent programs involving diverse physical capacities, such as flexibility, strengthening, balance and endurance, are more effective for the physical performance and healthy status of the community older adults [ 28 , 29 , 30 ]. From a practical, public health, cost-effectiveness and long-lasting perspective under the government-promoted health program, it could be valuable and critical to design an exercise protocol including domains of flexibility, strength and balance by using a package of low-cost and accessible exercise tools for the community older adults participating in CCS services, and investigate its effects on physical mobility and function.…”