Acute effects of low and high-volume resistance training on hemodynamic, metabolic and neuromuscular parameters in older adults.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the acute effects of low or high-volume resistance training (RT) on hemodynamic, metabolic and neuromuscular parameters in institutionalized older adults.

METHODS

Thirty-one subjects (78.9 ± 7.2 years old) performed two RT protocols (low versus high-volume), separated by one-week rest. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR) and blood lactate concentration ([La-]) were evaluated before and immediately after both RT protocols. The seated medicine ball throw (SMBT) was evaluated before and 5 min after both sessions, the countermovement jump (CMJ) height was evaluated before and 6 min after both RT protocols and the absolute handgrip strength (HGS) was evaluated before and 7 min after both RT protocols.

RESULTS

At baseline, no significant differences between RT protocols were found in all variables. After training session, both RT protocols induced significant increases in SBP (low versus high-volume: 5.3% vs 10.7%), DBP (5.9% vs 6.8%), HR (6.8% vs 17.9%) and [La-] (86.1% vs 200.0%). Moreover, the high-volume protocol induced significant decreases in SMBT (-2.5%) and CMJ (-8.3%), whilst the low-volume protocol significantly increased the HGS (3.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Both RT protocols induced significant acute responses on cardiovascular and metabolic parameters, as well as on neuromuscular function in institutionalized older adults. However, a greater acute response after the high-volume RT protocol was found, thus reflecting greater hemodynamic, metabolic and neuromuscular stress than low-volume RT. Moreover, low-volume RT showed an acute increase in general strength.