Effects of 3-months sitting callisthenic balance and resistance exercise on aerobic capacity, aortic stiffness and body composition in healthy older participants. Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Arterial stiffness (AS) is a reduction in the ability of large arteries to readily accommodate the increase in blood ejected from the heart during systole related with aging. Physical exercise is associated with AS reduction. However, it remains controversial as to which modality and intensity (resistance vs aerobic, high vs low) would be the most effective. The aim of these studies is to examine the effects of 3-months sitting callisthenic balance (SCB) and resistance exercise (RET) on aerobic capacity, aortic stiffness and body composition in older participants.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVao), return time (RT), diastolic reflection area (DRA) and blood pressure (BP) level changes were measured with Arteriograph. Aerobic capacity was examined with 6-min walk test (6-MWT) and spiroergometry (VO2max). Body composition was analyzed by Bioelectric Impedance Analysis using Tanita.

RESULTS: Significant improvements of BP, PWVao, RT and DRA were observed in the SCB group (p = 0.018, p = 0.017 and p = 0.012, respectively). % of fat mass improved in RET and SCB group (p = 0.003, p = 0.012, respectively). Visceral fat significantly improved in SCB group (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS: Despite no significant changes in indicators of aerobic capacity (VO2max and 6MWT result) in both groups, significant improvement in all measures of AS, except SBPao were observed in the SCB group, while no AS improvement in the RET group was noted. There were some differences in pattern of body compositions improvement between two groups.