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Effect of a 12-month physical conditioning programme on the metabolic cost of walking in healthy older adults

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Abstract

The metabolic cost of walking (C W) is increased in healthy older adults. Previously, this has been suggested to be associated with age-related decline in physiological/functional factors such as stability and muscle size and strength. Physical training can improve such factors as well as aspects of gait performance in older adults. The aim of this investigation was to determine if it also has a beneficial impact on (lowers) C W. Thirty-eight community dwelling older adults (aged 70–82 years) assigned to a training group (TRA, n=25) or a control group (CON, n=13) participated in a 12-month intervention. TRA followed a multi-component physical conditioning programme involving supervised resistance, aerobic, and balance exercises twice per week. They also undertook home based exercises once per week. CON carried on with their normal daily activities. C W and indicators of functional capacity (knee extensor isometric strength, single leg balance time, sit and reach, stand and reach, and 6 min walk distance) were assessed prior to and following the intervention. Significant improvements in knee extensor isometric strength (+21%), single leg balance time (+30%), and 6 min walk distance (+6%) were observed in TRA (P<0.05) but not in CON. However, no change in C W was observed. In conclusion, this investigation has shown that a multi-component physical conditioning programme had a beneficial impact on functional capacity but did not lower C W in healthy community dwelling older adults.

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Acknowledgements

Supported by European Commission Framework V funding (‘Better-Ageing’ Project, No. QLRT-2001-00323). The resistance machines used in this study were provided courtesy of Technogym®. We thank Andrea Muirhead for delivering the training programme.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Biophysical and Clinical Research into Human Movement, Manchester Metropolitan University, ST7 2HL, Alsager, Cheshire, UK

    Omar S. Mian, Jeanette M. Thom, Luca P. Ardigò, Christopher I. Morse, Marco V. Narici & Alberto E. Minetti

  2. School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, University of Wales, LL57 2PX, Bangor, Gwynedd, UK

    Jeanette M. Thom

  3. Facoltà di Scienze Motorie, Università degli Studi di Verona, via Felice Casorati 43, 37131, Verona, Italia

    Luca P. Ardigò

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  1. Omar S. Mian
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  2. Jeanette M. Thom
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  3. Luca P. Ardigò
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  4. Christopher I. Morse
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  5. Marco V. Narici
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  6. Alberto E. Minetti
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Correspondence to Omar S. Mian.

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Mian, O.S., Thom, J.M., Ardigò, L.P. et al. Effect of a 12-month physical conditioning programme on the metabolic cost of walking in healthy older adults. Eur J Appl Physiol 100, 499–505 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-006-0141-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-006-0141-9

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