Background/Purpose
The purpose of this investigation was to identify a quantitative dose-response relationship for improvement of RHR in sedentary older adults resulted in controlled aerobic exercise training.
Method
We used a meta-analysis approach to synthesize the existing scientific studies regarding the effect of controlled endurance training on RHR changes in older adults aged >60 yrs. The data were derived from thirteen available studies. A total of 651 older subjects were included in the final analysis.
Analysis/Results
The pooled standardized effect sizes indicated different responses in improvements of RHR based on the aerobic training regimens. Greater RHR reductions were found to be associated with a mean training length of 30 to 40 weeks with the greatest decrease around 35 weeks. Training with mean intensities of 55%-65% of heart rate reserve (HRR) tended to produce a similar or somewhat more effect as intensities of 65%-75% of HRR in affecting RHR. RHR decrease may begin with mean exercise duration of approximately 30 to 35 minutes per session and tend declining more with longer duration. Trained individuals experienced a greater RHR decrease with a mean exercise frequency of 3 d/wk.
Conclusions
This study presented a quantifiable dose-response relationship and trends related to controlled aerobic exercise and RHR changes in older adults. The information can be useful in the development and prescription of effective and safe exercise programs to benefit cardiovascular healthy aging for older adults.