Effects of Different Moderate-intensity Exercise Methods on Health in the Elderly
Condition: Healthy Aging
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      Aging is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Physical exercise is recognized
      as an excellent strategy to prevent cardiovascular diseases and cognitive aspects, generating
      healthier elderly people. The beneficial effects of physical training seem to be greater when
      performed:

        -  In hypoxic conditions (i.e. when the amount of oxygen in the air is decreased as at
           altitude).

        -  With intermittent blood flow restriction (by inflating pneumatic cuffs around the thighs
           to a pressure that restricts blood flow). This equipment is harmless.

        -  With eccentric training (resisting against the movement of the pedal of a bicycle rather
           than pushing it).

      The purpose of this study is then to evaluate whether moderate intensity intermittent
      training can induce similar or greater effects on cardiovascular health when combined with
      intermittent hypoxia, intermittent blood flow restriction or eccentric training.
    

Detailed description: 
      Aging is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease due mainly to high blood
      pressure. Physical exercise is recognized as an excellent non-pharmacological strategy to
      prevent cardiovascular disease and cognitive aspects, thus generating healthier elderly
      people.

        -  Interestingly, living at altitude seems to reduce some cardiovascular risks. In
           addition, the beneficial effects of physical training seem to be greater when performed
           under hypoxic conditions (i.e. when the amount of oxygen in the air is decreased as at
           altitude).

        -  Another interesting strategy for the elderly is intermittent blood flow restriction.
           This involves inflating pneumatic cuffs around the limb(s) to a pressure that blocks or
           restricts blood flow to the affected muscles, alternating with rest phases. It has been
           found that endurance training, combined with blood flow restriction, promotes the growth
           of new blood vessels, which could be particularly important for the prevention of
           cardiovascular disease in the elderly, which is unfortunately common.

        -  Eccentric training is currently emerging as a promising training strategy for the
           elderly. It consists of resisting the movement of the pedal of a bicycle rather than
           pushing it. It requires less energy effort than traditional exercise with the same
           workload. Eccentric training has been shown to improve older adults' body composition
           and muscle strength, thereby improving exercise capacity and quality of life.

      These training strategies may be of interest for cardiovascular health in older adults.
      However, there are few data on their combined effects with exercise in the elderly and there
      is no consensus to favor one method over another.

      The objective of this study is then to evaluate whether moderate-intensity intermittent
      training can induce similar or superior effects on health indicators when combined with
      intermittent hypoxia, partial vascular occlusion, or eccentric training.
    

Intervention name(s): Exercise
Intervention type(s): Behavioral
Intervention description(s): Participants will perform 3 times a week for 4 weeks a moderate intensity interval training.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Intervention model description: This study is designed as a randomized parallel group active-control study.
Masking: Single (Participant)
Primary purpose: Prevention
Keywords: Hypoxia; Blood Flow Restriction; Eccentric cycling; Exercice; Elderly