The Effect of Resistance Training, Resistance Training-Forward Walking, and resistance Training-Backward Walking on Cardiac and Physical Function of Middle-Aged Men.

Backward walking compared to forward walking in combination with resistance training and their interference effect have been less studied. So, the purpose of this study was to compare the effect of three resistances, concurrent forward walking, and backward walking training on the physical and cardiac function in middle-aged men.In a semi-experimental study design, 48 middle-aged (mean age 56.5±4.3 years, mean weight 79.4 ±4.9 kg and mean body mass index 27 ±2.9 kg/m2) were recruited and randomly assigned into four groups: Group 1) resistance training (n=8), Group 2) resistance–aerobic training forward walking/running (n=10), Group 3) resistance–aerobic training backward walking/running (n=11), and Group 4) control (n=9). The training was performed for eight weeks, three sessions per week. 48-h after the last exercise training, echocardiography (TAPSE, LVEDD, ESV, EF, and RHR), muscle strength, and aerobic capacity were performed. An analysis of variance with repeated measures test was used to analyze the data (p<0.05).The results showed that despite improvement in aerobic capacity (Group1.2,3 and 4, 6.1, 8.4, 7.5, and 1.3 percent respectively) and muscle strength (Group1.2,3 and 4, 5.5, 2.15, 3.8, and -1.1 kg respectively) there was no significant difference between or within groups in any cardiac performance variables (P>0.05). However, the training improved some physical performance.In middle-aged men, eight weeks of combined training regardless of aerobic type (forward or backward walking or running), although it improves aerobic capacity and muscle strength, has no significant effect on cardiac performance. Perhaps the duration or intensity of the training was not enough to affect these variables, which could be considered in future studies