Power exercises with elastic bands combined with endurance training improve pulse pressure, systolic blood pressure, and functional parameters in older adults.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of power training (PT) using elastic bands combined with endurance training (ET) on pulse pressure (PP), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressures (DBP), autonomic response (AR), and functional parameters in older adults.

Methods: Thirty participants were randomly assigned to the control group (n = 15) and the intervention group (IG) (n = 15). IG participants performed PT with elastic bands combined with ET twice weekly for 8 weeks. PP, SBP, DBP, AR, and functional parameters were assessed before and after 8 weeks.

Results: PP, SBP, and functional parameters significantly improved after 8 weeks in the IG (P < 0.05). The study also found a clinically significant reduction in the SBP (Δ = -16.5 mmHg; η2p = 0.36) and DBP (Δ = -4.3 mmHg; η2p = 0.26), and a clinical reduction in the 5-Repetition Sit-To-Stand test (η2p = 0.63) and the elbow flexion test (η2p = 0.51).

Conclusion: Our findings indicate that PT with elastic bands combined with ET improves PP, SBP, and functional parameters in older adults. Hence, our combined training protocol can be an easily accessible, low-cost, nonpharmacological strategy for strength, and conditioning professionals to prescribe as an exercise intervention to older adults.