Effect of Combined Training on Muscle Co-Activation and Functional Capacity in Older Women: a Pilot Study

Abstract

Aging is characterized by morphological and functional declines, including impairment in muscle performance and functional capacity. Herein, changes were investigated in strength promoted by combined training and its effects on muscle co-activation in older women. After tree-week adaptation period, thirteen healthy older women (60.2 ± 6.2 years) underwent a 12-week training program, three sessions a week, one hour per session, divided into 30 minutes of aerobic exercise on a treadmill or cycle ergometer and 30 minutes of strength training. Muscle strength tests and cardiopulmonary fitness assessment were performed before and after the intervention. The results herein showed improvements in strength, functional capacity, and lower limb muscle activation, but no differences in muscle co-activation. In conclusion, the data of this study suggest that 12weeks of combined training exercise may not be effective in inducing muscle co-activation but may help prevent or mitigate the decline in muscle performance and functional capacity in the older population.