Int J Sports Med 2019; 40(02): 116-124
DOI: 10.1055/a-0787-1548
Training & Testing
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Suspension Training HIIT Improves Gait Speed, Strength and Quality of Life in Older Adults

Authors

  • Jose Daniel Jiménez-García

    1   Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, JAEN, Spain
  • Antonio Martínez-Amat

    1   Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, JAEN, Spain
  • M. J. De la Torre-Cruz

    2   Psychology, University of Jaen, Jaén, Spain
  • Raquel Fábrega-Cuadros

    1   Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, JAEN, Spain
  • David Cruz-Díaz

    1   Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, JAEN, Spain
  • Agustín Aibar-Almazán

    1   Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, JAEN, Spain
  • Alexander Achalandabaso-Ochoa

    1   Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, JAEN, Spain
  • Fidel Hita-Contreras

    1   Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, JAEN, Spain
Further Information

Publication History



accepted 30 October 2018

Publication Date:
03 January 2019 (online)

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Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week high-intensity interval exercise (HIIT) training program involving suspension exercises (TRX) on the muscle strength, body composition, gait speed, and quality of life of older adults. A total of 82 older adults were randomly assigned to 3 groups: a HIIT group (n=28), a continuous intensity training group (MIIT group, n=27), or a control group (CG, n=27). Compared to MIIT and CG, participants of the HIIT group showed significant post-intervention improvements in BMI (p=.002 and p<.001, respectively) and gait speed (p<.001 for both). Handgrip strength increase was also observed after HIIT (p=.002), but no differences were observed with MIIT and CG. Compared with MIIT and control groups, HIIT showed improvements in the SF-36 domains: general health (p<.001 for both) health changes (p<.001 for both), vitality (p=.002 and p=.001 respectively) and physical functioning (p=.036 and p<.001 respectively). Our results suggest that a HIIT training program with TRX have benefits in BMI, handgrip strength, gait speed, and quality of life in older adults.