Effect of intermittent hypoxic conditioning on inflammatory biomarkers in older adults

• Published in: Experimental gerontology 2021-09, Vol.152, p.111478-111478, Article 111478
• Main Authors: Timon, Rafael, Martínez-Guardado, Ismael, Camacho-Cardeñosa, Alba, Villa-Andrada, Jose M., Olcina, Guillermo, Camacho-Cardeñosa, Marta
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: C-reactive protein; Cytokines; Hypoxia; Older adults; Resistance training
• ISSN: 0531-5565; 1873-6815
• DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2021.111478

Ageing is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation and with a decrease in muscle mass and strength. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a resistance training programme in conditions of intermittent hypoxia on inflammatory biomarkers in older people. A total of 54 older adults (aged 65–75 years), who voluntarily participated in the study, were randomly divided into three groups: the control (CON) group, the resistance training normoxia (RTN) group that performed resistance training in normoxia and resistance training hypoxia (RTH) group that trained under hypoxic conditions at a simulated altitude of 2500 m above sea level. The training programme that was carried out during 24 weeks was similar in both experimental groups and consisted of a full-body workout with elastic bands and kettlebells (three sets x 12–15 reps). Blood inflammatory parameters (CRP, VCAM-1, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10) were analysed before and after the intervention. After the resistance training programme, a significant decrease in CRP and IL-8 levels was observed, as well as an increase in IL-10 levels, both in normoxia and hypoxia. These results show that resistance training, either in conditions of normoxia or hypoxia, is useful to deal with the chronic inflammation associated with ageing. •Resistance training is useful to deal with the inflammation associated with ageing.•Hypoxic conditioning caused a decrease in CRP and IL-8, and an increase in IL-10.•Hypoxia did not have an added effect on resistance training in older people.