A Comparison of the Effect of Aerobic and Combined Training on Endothelial Response in Elderly Men

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of aerobic and combined training on endothelial response in elderly men. 21 healthy non-athlete elderly men (age range 60- 80 years old) voluntary participated in this study and were randomly allocated to three groups: aerobic training, combined training and control. Aerobic training program (walking or running with 50-60% HRmax) was performed each session 45 min., 3 sessions per week. The subjects of the combined training participated in 22 min. of resistance training with weight 3 days per week, 10-12 repetitions per session, 40-60% 1RM, 60-90 seconds rest interval as well as 22 min. of aerobic training with 50-60% HRmax. Control group did not receive any intervention. Blood samples were collected before and 48 hours after the end of the protocol in an experimental condition. Findings showed that ICAM-1 levels in aerobic training group (39.9%, P=0.02) and combined training group (45.68%, P=0.02) significantly decreased, but the difference between the gropes was not significant (P>0.05). Weight, BF%, BMI, TC and TG significantly decreased in both experimental groups (P<0.05). Finally, aerobic and combined training decreased serum ICAM-1, although this decline due to combined training may be more than aerobic training alone.