Int J Sports Med 2010; 31(10): 689-697
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1261895
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Physiological Effects of Concurrent Training in Elderly Men

E. L. Cadore1 , R. S. Pinto1 , F. L. R. Lhullier2 , C. S. Correa1 , C. L. Alberton1 , S. S. Pinto1 , A. P. V. Almeida1 , M. P. Tartaruga1 , E. M. Silva1 , L. F. M. Kruel1
  • 1Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Physical Education School, Porto Alegre, Brazil
  • 2Catholic Pontific University of Rio Grande do Sul, Department of Clinical Analysis, Porto Alegre, Brazil
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision June 01, 2010

Publication Date:
08 July 2010 (online)

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of concurrent strength and endurance training on neuromuscular and hormonal parameters in elderly men. 23 healthy men (65±4 years) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: concurrent (CG, n=8), strength (SG, n=8) or endurance group (EG, n=7). The programs consisted, of strength training, endurance training on a cycle ergometer or a combination of both in the same session 3 times per week over a duration of 12 weeks. Subjects were evaluated on parameters related to muscle strength, muscle activation and serum hormones. There were significant increases in lower-body strength in all groups (P<0.05), with higher increases in SG (67%) than CG (41%) and both were higher than EG (25%) (p<0.01). Only SG and CG increased upper-body strength (p<0.01), with no significant difference between the 2 groups. Furthermore, there were significant decreases in free testosterone in EG after training. Significant increases in isometric strength and maximal muscle activation (p<0.05) as well as decreases in the submaximal muscle activation to the same load, were only seen in SG (p<0.05). The present results suggest that the interference effect observed due to concurrent strength and endurance training could be related to impairment of neural adaptations.

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Correspondence

Prof. Eduardo Lusa Cadore

Federal University of Rio

Grande do Sul

Physical Education School

Felizardo Street, 750

90690200 Porto Alegre

Brazil

Phone: +55/51/3316 5820

Fax: +55/51/3316 5842

Email: edcadore@yahoo.com.br

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