Effects of Different Detraining Periods on the Physical Fitness of Older Adults with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors.

OBJECTIVE

To verify the effects of two different detraining periods on the physical fitness of older adults with cardiometabolic risk factors.

METHODS

This observational study encompassed older individuals with cardiometabolic risk factors, who were assessed after two different detraining periods: 1 month (1DT) and 3 months (3DT). Physical fitness was assessed using the 30-s sit to stand test (STS), 30-s arm curl, chair sit-and-reach, back scratch, timed up and go, and 6-min walk test (6MWT). The comparison between the different periods was carried out using absolute differences (Δ = posttest-pretest) and relative differences (Δ% = (Δ/pretest) × 100), with α = 0.05.

RESULTS

Eight older adults were assessed (70.3 ± 7.48 years, 4 female/4 male). Improvements in the STS (+1.88 repetitions; p = 0.007) and 6MWT (+17.38 m; p = 0.007) were found after 1DT. After 3DT, a worsening was observed in the 6MWT (-26.38 m; p = 0.018). The arm curl test worsened in both detraining periods (1DT: -1.38 repetitions; 3DT: -3.5 repetitions; p = 0.001). When comparing Δ% of 1DT and 3DT, STS and 6MWT showed differences, with p = 0.024 and p = 0.005, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The 1-month detraining period had a positive effect on some physical fitness components, while 3 months induced a decline in cardiorespiratory fitness. Upper limb strength appears to be the component most susceptible to detraining.