High-intensity interval training among healthy older adults. A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Due to demographic changes in fertility and mortality, it is predicted that in 2050 the proportion of the world population aged 60 and over will increase from 11% to 22%. Objective: To analyze the effects of high-intensity interval training in healthy older adults. Material and method: A bibliographic search was carried out in the following Pubmed, Scielo and ScienceDirect databases, using the Boolean terms High-intensity interval excercise OR High-intensity interval training OR high intensity interval activity AND aged OR older adult OR elderly. The PICoR strategy was used to define eligibility criteria (P) Healthy Older Adults, (I) Use High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), (C) be subjected to evaluation using the PEDRO scale and obtain a score equal to or greater than 6 points, (O) effect of high-intensity interval training in Adults Healthy elderly (S) studies with control groups or other interventions, published between the years 2016 to 2021. Results: 1.516 articles were identified, but only those that met the inclusion criteria (7 studies) were included. Significant improvements in sleep quality, fatigue, and body composition were obtained by combining HIIT training with nutritional support. Other improvements were obtained in strength, anabolic hormones, blood lipids, VO2max, exercise tolerance, and systolic BP using only HIIT training. Conclusion: The adapted HIIT training is applicable to healthy older adults and causes significant improvements in this age group.