Background and Aims : Exercise capacity declines with age and is improved with exercise training. The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of a one-year combined exercise training in subjects over 70 years old, and to examine the eventual differences obtained between men and women. Methods : After baseline evaluation, 24 subjects (12 men and 12 women) over 70 years old underwent moderate intensity training with aerobic and resistance exercises, 3 hours a week over one year. Workload, oxygen uptake (VO2) and heart rate were measured during a symptom-limited exercise test. The distance walked in 6 minutes (6-MWT) was also registered, and the maximal strength was measured on knee extensor muscles. Results : After training, VO2 at ventilatory threshold was increased both in men (+17%, p<0.01) and women (+20%, p<0.01), as well as peak workload (+8% and +12%, respectively, p<0.05) and peak VO2 (+13%, p<0.05, and +19%, p<0.01, respectively). The 6-MWT distance was also improved both in men (+8%, p<0.01) and in women (+12%, p<0.01), whereas the maximal strength of knee extensor muscles was increased only in women (+28%, p<0.05). The amount of increase after training for these last two parameters was higher in women (p<0.05). Conclusion : This study have shown that one-year of combined exercise training in healthy subjects over 70 years old is well-tolerated and improves aerobic capacity, performance to field test and muscle strength. Moreover, women seem to better benefit of this program.
