Combination of body mass-based resistance training and high-intensity walking can improve both muscle size and V˙O 2 peak in untrained older women

• Published in: Geriatrics & gerontology international 2017-05, Vol.17 (5), p.779
• Main Authors: Ozaki, Hayao, Kitada, Tomoharu, Nakagata, Takashi, Naito, Hisashi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Body Mass Index; Chronic Disease - rehabilitation; Exercise Therapy; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Knee - physiology; Middle Aged; Muscle, Skeletal - diagnostic imaging; Muscle, Skeletal - physiopathology; Organ Size; Oxygen Consumption - physiology; Physical Fitness - physiology; Resistance Training - methods; Thigh; Ultrasonography; Walking - physiology
• ISSN: 1447-0594
• DOI: 10.1111/ggi.12786

Here, we aimed to compare the effect of a combination of body mass-based resistance exercise and moderate-intensity (55% peak oxygen uptake [ V˙O peak]) walking or high-intensity (75% V˙O peak) walking on muscle size and V˙O peak in untrained older women. A total of 12 untrained older women (mean age 60 ± 2 years) were randomly assigned to either a moderate-intensity aerobic training group (n = 6) or high-intensity aerobic training group (n = 6). Both groups carried out body-mass based (lower body) resistance exercises (2 sets of 10 repetitions) on 3 days/week for 8 weeks. Between these exercises, the participants in the moderate-intensity aerobic training group walked at a previously determined speed equivalent to 55% V˙O peak, whereas those in the high-intensity aerobic training group walked at a speed equivalent to 75% V˙O peak. Muscle thickness of the anterior aspect of the thigh and maximal isokinetic knee extension strength significantly increased in both groups (P