Exercise Periodization and Older Adults

Effects of Resistance Training Periodization on Hemodynamic, Morphofunctional and Cognitive Parameters of Robust Older Women.

The present study aimed at investigating the effects of two different resistance training protocols - nonperiodized (NP) and daily undulating periodization (DUP) - on hemodynamic, morphofunctional and cognitive parameters of robust older women. Methods: Forty-two older women were randomized allocated into one of the three experimental groups: NP, DUP, and control group (CG). Evaluations of the hemodynamic, morphofunctional and cognitive parameters occurred before, during and after six months. The exercise groups performed the program of exercise twice a week over 22 weeks. In NP, the two weekly sessions were based on 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions at a difficult intensity. However, in DUP, a power exercise session based on 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions at a moderate intensity was added in the first session of the week.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged ≥60 years;
• Female;
• Not having been part of a systematic program of physical exercises in the last 6 months;
• MEEM score >19 points;
• Kihon checklist score >10 points;
• Capacity to perform the basic and instrumental activities of daily living according to Katz and Pfeffer indexes;
• Self-reported good memory;
• Complete all measurements.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Changes on antihypertensive medication in the past 6 months prior to inclusion in the study;
• Cardiovascular disease (i.e., acute myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and transient ischemic disease)
• Metabolic disease (i.e., diabetes mellitus type I or II), pulmonary disease (i.e., emphysema)
• Neurological and/or psychiatric disease (i.e., Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease)
• Skeletal muscle disorders
• Comorbidities associated with greater risk of falls
• Recent history of smoking or alcohol abuse
• Hormone replacement therapy and/or psychotropic drugs.