Heterogeneity of Physical Function Responses to Exercise Training in Older Adults
Abstract
Objectives
To describe the interindividual variability in physical function responses to supervised resistance and aerobic exercise training interventions in older adults.
Design
Data analysis of two randomized, controlled exercise trials.
Setting
Community-based research centers.
Participants
Overweight and obese (body mass index (BMI) ≥27.0 kg/m2) sedentary men and women aged 65 to 79 (N = 95).
Intervention
Five months of 4 d/wk of aerobic training (AT, n = 40) or 3 d/wk of resistance training (RT, n = 55).
Measurements
Physical function assessments: global measure of lower extremity function (Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)), 400-m walk, peak aerobic capacity (VO2peak), and knee extensor strength.
Results
On average, both exercise interventions significantly improved physical function. For AT, there was a 7.9% increase in VO2peak; individual absolute increases varied from 0.4 to 4.3 mL/kg per minute, and four participants (13%) showed no change or a decrease in VO2peak. For RT, knee extensor strength improved an average of 8.1%; individual increases varied from 1.2 to 63.7 Nm, and 16 participants (30%) showed no change or a decrease in strength. Usual gait speed, 400-m walk time, chair rise time, and SPPB improved for the majority of AT participants and usual gait speed, chair rise time, and SPPB improved for the majority of RT participants, but there was wide variation in the magnitude of improvement. Only change in 400-m walk time with RT was related to exercise adherence (correlation coefficient = −0.31, P = .004).
Conclusion
Despite sufficient levels of adherence to both exercise interventions, some participants did not improve function, and the magnitude of improvement varied widely. Additional research is needed to identify factors that optimize responsiveness to exercise to maximize its functional benefits in older adults.
