Behavior of external and internal load in the exercise training of older adults with cardiovascular risk factors

Abstract

Background: Few studies evaluate the behavior of training loads in clinical populations. Purpose: Analyze the behavior of external and internal load in combined progressive training (aerobic and strength), for nine weeks, in older adults of both sexes with cardiometabolic risk factors, participants in a Cardiorespiratory Rehabilitation Program. Methods: The program was composed of strong and moderate sessions, divided into three mesocycles composed of three microcycles. Parameters of external load (push-up and squat repetitions and distance covered) and internal load (RPE session) were collected. Data were analyzed using Student’s t test for paired samples and one-way analysis of variance, with Tukey’s post-hoc. The significance level adopted was 5%. Results: 31 participants (67.5 ± 5.53 years) were evaluated. Strong sessions presented greater external load (p < 0.001) than moderate sessions. Microcycle 3 had a higher number of squat repetitions than microcycles 1 (p = 0.030). Mesocycle 3 showed higher values in the two external load repetition variables (push-up, p = 0.001; squat, p < 0.001). The last strong session showed an increase in external load (push-up repetitions, p < 0.001; squat repetitions, p < 0.001; distance covered, p = 0.001) in relation to the first strong session. Conclusion: There was maintenance or decrease of the internal load and increase of the external training load, which demonstrates the effectiveness of training program in the adaptation and improvement of the physical capacity of trained older adults with cardiometabolic risk factors, being possible for the trainer to check the progression of his students’ training.