Effect of resistance and power training with walking in different directions on the serum concentrations of P3NP and CAF, the lower body muscle strength and motor function in elderly men

Objective(s): Examine the effect of resistance and power training with walking in four directions on the N-terminal peptide of type III procollagen (P3NP), the C-terminal agrin fragment (CAF), the lower body muscle strength and motor function in elderly people. Materials and Methods : Thirty-one elderly men were selected and divided into three groups: control group (C); resistance training (RT) group, and power training (PT) group. RT was performed with 8 – 10 repetitions during 20 – 35 seconds of exercise and PT with 8 – 10 repetitions during 10 – 13 seconds of exercise. The exercise to which subjects were exposed to, in both resistance and power training groups, consisted in walking in four directions for 12 weeks (two sessions per week). Body mass index (BMI), functional tests, and lower body strength were also measured. The serum levels of P3NP and CAF were evaluated in all groups. Results : Lower body strength (leg press, plantar ankle flexion, knee extension, leg curl) and motor function (chair stand test, timed up and go, 6-minute walking), improved following the exercise, while no effect was found concerning the serum levels of P3NP and CAF. Conclusions: An increase in motor function and lower body strength was observed in both types of exercise programmes discussed in this paper, although the exercise should be done rapidly for a better result.