Journal of Aging and Physical Activity · 1999 · 25 citations · 16 references
EducationGeriatric MedicinePhysiologyExercise PhysiologyExercise PrescriptionPhysical ActivityAerobic ConditioningAerobic ExerciseAerobic FitnessCardiorespiratory FitnessExercise TrainingPhysical FitnessAerobic Training AdaptationCardiopulmonary FitnessCardiovascular Fitness AssessmentControl Group DesignExercise Training AdaptationHeart RateHeart Rate ReserveMatched Control Group
A trial was conducted to examine the effect of moderate aerobic exercise training (AET) on cardiorespiratory (CR) fitness. Previously sedentary participants, age 60-75 years, were randomly assigned to either AET treatment or a control group for 6 months. The AET consisted of walking for 40 min three times/week at an intensity that elevated heart rate to 65% of maximum heart rate reserve. The control group performed a supervised stretching program for 40 min three times/week. CR fitness was assessed before and after the treatments during a grade-incremented treadmill walking test. Both absolute and relative peak V̇O 2 significantly increased ( p < .01) in the AET group, whereas they decreased modestly in the control group. Maximum treadmill time increased significantly ( p < .01) in the AET group relative to the control group. These results indicate that CR fitness as measured by peak V̇O 2 modestly improves in the elderly with a moderate-intensity, relatively long-term aerobic exercise program.
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