PMID 40217506

Research
All papers

Impact of resistance and high-intensity interval training on body composition, physical function, and temporal dynamics of adaptation in older women with impaired cardiometabolic health: a randomized clinical trial

Cano-Montoya J, Rojas Vargas M, Báez Vargas S, Núñez Vergara C, Martínez Huenchullán S, Gallegos F, Álvarez C, Izquierdo M

Question

How do 8 weeks of low-volume resistance training and HIIT affect body composition, isometric strength, 6-minute walk performance, responder status, and adaptation timing in older women with impaired cardiometabolic health?

Summary

This randomized clinical trial compared 8 weeks of low-volume resistance training, cycling HIIT, and usual pharmacological care in older women with impaired cardiometabolic health. HIIT most clearly improved 6-minute walk distance, while resistance training most clearly improved handgrip strength. Body-composition changes were not statistically or clinically strong overall, but responder analyses suggested some participants improved and that early personalization may matter.

Methodology

  • Thirty-six physically inactive older women with impaired cardiometabolic health analysed across RT, HIIT, and control groups.
  • 36 participants.
  • Cycle ergometer.
  • Work intervals: 8-10 x 1-minute cycling intervals.
  • Recovery: 2 minutes active recovery without resistance.
  • Intensity: Modified Borg 8-10.
  • About 34-40 minutes including 5-minute warm-up and 5-minute cool-down.
  • 3 sessions per week.
  • 8 weeks.
  • Randomized clinical trial with RT, HIIT, and control groups, measured at baseline, week 4, and week 8.
  • 6-minute walk distance, Handgrip strength, Body composition, and Responder status were tracked.

Outcomes

6MWT

HIIT significantly improved 6-minute walk distance by week 8.

441.0 +/- 48.9 to 480.0 +/- 53.0 m; p = 0.002; 95% CI 22 to 55 m; d = 0.757.

Improved

Handgrip strength

RT significantly improved handgrip strength; HIIT had responder-level strength improvements in some participants but was not the main group effect.

RT 21.3 +/- 4.4 to 24.37 +/- 3.99 kg; p = 0.027; d = 0.731.

Improved

Body composition

No statistically significant or clinically relevant overall body-composition changes were noted.

No clear change

Responder prevalence

HIIT increased responder percentage for 6MWT from 58% at week 4 to 75% at week 8; body-composition responder patterns varied.

HIIT 6MWT responders 58% to 75%.

Mixed

Insights

  • For older women with cardiometabolic risk, supervised 1-minute cycling intervals can improve walking capacity.
  • Responder variability suggests adjusting programs early rather than assuming one fixed dose works for everyone.
  • Clinical-risk users need BP stop rules and monitoring.

Limitations

  • Small geographically specific sample.
  • Short 8-week intervention.
  • Diet and lifestyle factors not objectively controlled.
  • Bioimpedance was not gold standard.
  • Responder classification assumptions require caution.

Safety

  • HR and BP were checked before and after each session.
  • Sessions were to be suspended if SBP exceeded 180 mmHg or DBP exceeded 110 mmHg.
  • No adverse events were reported in the read sections.