Effects of a Personalized Physical Exercise Program in the Arterial Stiffness in Older Adults

Introduction: This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of a tailored exercise intervention programme in the Arterial Stiffness (AS) of old adults. Methods: Non-randomized intervention study, enrolling 32 community dwelling old adults, aged over 65 years (mean age: 83.28 +/- 8.29 years), with no prior history of major cardiovascular events. Participants were divided into two groups (intervention group Group 2, and control group Group 1) according to their willingness to participate in the physical training program. The exercise program included aerobic and strength components, prescribed in a personalized approach, and implemented under direct control of two experienced professionals. Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV), a measure of AS, was evaluated at baseline and 3-months after the intervention period. Clinical evaluation, anthropometric measures and blood samples were also collected in both time-points. Results: The groups had similar clinical and demographic characteristics at baseline. After the intervention program, a significant reduction in PWV was observed only in Group 2 [F(1, 15) = 29.38; p < 0.001; eta(2) = 0.67]. A readjustment of the PWV age-dependent trajectory was observed, with a reduction of the absolute PWV in all age strata. A significant reduction in systolic brachial blood pressure was also depicted in Group 2 [mean difference: 12.57 mmHg; F(1, 15) 9.46; p = 0.01; eta(2) = 0.39]. Parameters related to functional status, such as the handgrip strength, the self-efficacy for exercise and the activity and participation profile, were also significantly improved in Group 2. Conclusion: Physical exercise was shown to be an effective non-pharmacological tool to positively modulate age-related decline in AS in older adults. (C) 2019 Association for Research into Arterial Structure and Physiology. Publishing services by Atlantis Press International B.V.