Efficiency of twice weekly concurrent training in trained elderly men

This study compared the effects of different weekly training frequencies on the cardiovascular and neuromuscular adaptations induced by concurrent training in previously trained elderly. After 20 weeks of combined strength and endurance training, twenty-four healthy elderly men (65 ± 4 years) were randomly placed into two frequency training groups: strength and endurance training performed twice a week (SE2, n = 12); or, strength and endurance training performed three times per week (SE3, n = 12). The interventions lasted 10 weeks and each group performed identical exercise intensity and volume per session. Before and after the exercise training, one maximum repetition test (1RM), isometric peak torque (PT), maximal surface electromyographic activity (EMG), as well as muscle thickness (MT) were examined. Additionally, peak oxygen uptake (VO_2peak), maximum aerobic workload (W_max), first and second ventilatory thresholds (VT₁ and VT₂) were evaluated. There were significant increases in upper and lower-body 1RM, MT, VO_2peak, VT₁ and VT₂, with no differences between groups. There were no changes after training in maximal EMG and isometric peak torque. W_max was improved only in SE3. After 10 weeks of training, twice weekly combined strength and endurance training leads to similar neuromuscular and cardiovascular adaptations as three times per week, demonstrating the efficiency of lower frequency of concurrent training in previously trained elderly men.