Effects of multicomponent training and detraining on the fitness of older adults with or at risk of frailty: results of a 10-month quasi-experimental study

• Published in: European journal of sport science 2023-08, Vol.23 (8), p.1696-1709
• Main Authors: Fernández-García, Ángel Iván, Gómez-Cabello, Alba, Gómez-Bruton, Alejandro, Moradell, Ana, Navarrete-Villanueva, David, Pérez-Gómez, Jorge, González-Gross, Marcela, Ara, Ignacio, Casajús, José A., Vicente-Rodríguez, Germán
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aging; endurance; exercise; health; strength
• ISSN: 1746-1391; 1536-7290; 1536-7290
• DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2022.2104657

The aims of this study were (1) to analyse the effects of a 6-month multicomponent training (MCT) on the physical fitness of older adults with or at risk of frailty; (2) to study the consequences of a 4-month detraining period; (3) to analyse the influence of frailty status on the training and detraining adaptations. A total of 102 robust, frail and prefrail older adults (80.1 ± 6.1 y) were divided into an intervention (TRAIN) and control group (CON). The TRAIN performed a 6-month MCT, while the CON continued with their usual lifestyle. Fitness assessment was mainly based on the Senior Fitness Test. Four evaluations were carried out; at baseline, and at 3, 6 and 10 months from baseline. Linear mixed models were performed to analyse group by time interactions and to compare differences in changes within groups between different time points. After 6-month MCT, TRAIN showed greater improvements for all fitness variables (group effects p