Performance
B · Reasonable confidenceCombining strength and endurance training after age 50
Subject: Impact of concurrent training versus aerobic or resistance training on cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength in middle-aged to older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
What this means
Combined training improved fitness as much as endurance training alone and strength as much as strength training alone. Combining did not reduce the gains.
Khalafi M, Sakhaei MH, Rosenkranz SK, Symonds ME · 2022 · Physiology & Behavior
What does this rating mean?
A solid systematic review with caveats, or consistent indications with a limited scope.
Findings
In middle-aged to older adults, concurrent training increased VO2max/peak more than resistance training alone, and increased lower- and upper-body strength more than aerobic training alone; concurrent training was comparable to aerobic training for VO2max and to resistance training for strength.
Who this applies to
Middle-aged and older adults over 50, with average ages between 55 and 88 years.
Size of the research
Forty-nine randomized trials with a total of 2,587 participants.
What to keep in mind
The fitness comparison with strength training alone rests on 12 study groups, fewer than the other comparisons. Only oxygen uptake and strength were measured.
Practical conclusion for REZA
For middle-aged and older clients wanting both fitness and strength, combining them isn't a compromise — concurrent training performed comparably to single-mode training on both fronts.
View method and source
Methodology
Meta-analysis
Population
49 studies, 2587 middle-aged and older adults (mean ages 55-88 y)
Intervention
Concurrent training vs aerobic training and/or resistance training
Outcome measures
VO2max/peak; lower- and upper-body muscular strength (1-10RM, isometric/isokinetic peak torque)
Limitations
Heterogeneous protocols and populations; strength testing methods vary; older-adult focus limits transfer to young trained lifters.
Original source
DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113888 · PMID: 35728627
View on PubMed →Effect of resistance training on HbA1c in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and the moderating effect of changes in muscular strength: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Next study →Interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous training for cardiorespiratory fitness improvements in middle-aged and older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
This information is general education about scientific research. It is not personal medical advice and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a doctor or other healthcare professional. If you have symptoms, a medical condition or take medication, consult your GP or treating professional before changing your training or nutrition.