The effectiveness of two different multimodal training modes on physical performance in elderly

Eur J Transl Myol. 2020 Apr 1;30(1):8820. doi: 10.4081/ejtm.2019.8820. eCollection 2020 Apr 7.

Abstract

The study compared the effect of 12-week multimodal training programme performed twice a week at the regular exercise facility (REF) with the 12-week multimodal training programme performed three times per week as a part of the research programme (EX). Additionally, the study analysed how the experimental training programme affect the physical performance of cognitive healthy and mild cognitive impaired elderly (MCI). The REF training group included 19 elderly (65.00±3.62 years). The experimental training programme combined cognitively healthy (EXH: n=16; 66.3±6.42 years) and age-matched individuals with MCI (EXMCI: n=14; 66.00±4.79 years). 10m maximal walking speed (10mMWS), Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSS), maximal and relative voluntary contraction (MVC & rel. MVC) were analysed. The REF group improved in 10mMWS (t=2.431, p=.026), the MVC (t=-3.528, p=.002) and relative MVC (t=3.553, p=.002). The EXH group improved in FTSS (t=5.210, P=.000), MVC (t=2.771, p=.018) and relative MVC (t=-3.793, p=.004). EXMCI improved in FTSS (t=2.936, p=.012) and MVC (t=-2.276, p=.040). According to results, both training programmes sufficiently improved walking speed and muscle strength in cognitively healthy elderly. Moreover, the experimental training programme improved muscle strength in MCI elderly.

Keywords: intention-to-treat strategy; multimodal exercise training; older adults; real-life implementation.

Grants and funding

Funding: The study was supported by Slovak Research & Development Agency SRDA15-0253 (BU), Grant Agency of the Slovak Academy of Sciences VEGA 2/0107/18 (BU), Comenius University students grants UK/336/2018, UK/402/2019 and via the international cooperation scheme INTEREG V-A Slovakia – Austria Centre of Active Ageing - competency-based center for physical activity, prevention and health promotion of seniors (acronym CAA, ITMS2014+ 305041X157) funded by European Regional Development Fund